Chris Ross Partner
Commercial Property
Chris Ross is a Partner within the Commercial Property team at Swinburne Maddison LLP. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and earned his Master’s in Advanced Commercial Property Law around the same time. Chris joined Swinburne Maddison in 2014 from a large regional law firm, progressing to Managing Associate in 2018 and Partner in May 2023.
With a wealth of experience in property law, Chris has developed a strong specialism in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. His expertise spans the full development cycle, from site acquisitions to plot disposals, including infrastructure agreements, planning obligations, and funding arrangements. He is also highly experienced in landlord and tenant matters, acting for a broad range of clients across the sector. His ability to guide clients through the entire process ensures a seamless experience and maximized investment potential. He is particularly interested in attracting developer clients and investment portfolio holders who require comprehensive commercial property expertise.
- Site Acquisition
- Site Set Up
- Plot Disposals
- Infrastructure Agreements
- Commercial Property & Landlord & Tenant
- S.106 Agreements / Variations
Chris has extensive experience in commercial property law, handling a variety of complex transactions. He advises on the acquisition of commercial and residential sites, managing due diligence, and structuring transactions for optimal client outcomes. Chris also manages the disposal process for residential plots and commercial units, ensuring smooth transactions for developers and investors. He negotiates and advises on infrastructure agreements and planning obligations contained within Section 106 agreements (including Unilateral Undertakings), while also acting for landlords and tenants in lease negotiations, renewals, and property management.
His sector expertise includes property development (both residential and commercial), general property (residential and commercial), social housing, and landlord and tenant matters. Chris continues to be a key contributor to Swinburne Maddison’s success, playing an integral role in both strategic and day-to-day management responsibilities within the firm’s Commercial Property team.
Recent highlights include:
- Securing a tender for conveyancing services for a large social housing provider in 2022.
- Acting for a client in acquiring a commercial site for residential conversion and securing finance for that site alongside two existing developments.
- Supporting developer clients in meeting annual targets for plot disposals, ensuring smooth processes from acquisition to sale.
- Supervising junior team members and managing a secondment with a major developer client, enhancing team capabilities and client service.
Chris is a board member of Moving On (Durham) Limited, the largest charity in County Durham dedicated to alleviating homelessness. His involvement provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by housing providers, further informing his legal work within the social housing sector.
Chris has been recognised in The Legal 500 as a Rising Star in the 2023 edition, reflecting his expertise within the Social Housing field. In the 2026 edition, he was named as a Key Lawyer within both Commercial Property and Social Housing, known for his focus on development site preparation, including planning agreements, easements, and infrastructure arrangements across jurisdictions.
"When it comes to residential transactions, I wouldn't be comfortable using anyone else other than Chris Ross, he is consistently able to foresee issues and deal with them before they become a disaster time after time."
"Chris Ross is helpful, willing to roll up his sleeves, commercial and knowledgeable in the sector."
Articles & Insights by Chris Ross
News & Insights
Insight
Could your pension increase your Inheritance Tax bill? How the 2027 legislation change affects you
For many years, pensions have played an important role in estate planning. Unlike many other assets, unused pension funds could generally be passed to beneficiaries outside the scope of Inheritance Tax, making pensions an attractive way of preserving wealth for the next generation. From 6th April 2027 this is set to change, most unused pension […]
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Swinburne Maddison Expands Private Client Team Following Major Investment
Swinburne Maddison, one of the North East’s leading full-service law firms, has significantly expanded its Private Client team increasing the firm’s capacity to take on complex private client instructions across the North East and beyond. Following major investment in people, expertise and resources, the firm has brought together its strongest Private Client team to date. […]
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Martyn Tennant named Corporate Lawyer of the Year following landmark year
Partner and Head of the Corporate team at Swinburne Maddison, Martyn Tennant, has been named Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 North East Dealmakers Awards, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of the firm’s Corporate team. The award recognises Martyn Tennant’s leadership on some of the most technically demanding and strategically […]
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