The Crown Estate has expanded its urban residential panel to two firms, ­gifting Trowers & Hamlins a place after the firm pitched, but missed out on the role, three years ago.

Real estate boutique Pemberton Greenish has been reappointed to the panel after being the Crown Estate’s sole residential panel adviser since 2003.

Trowers relationship partner Michael Higginson said: “I’ve worked for them on the odd instruction for many years. This is the next step in that relationship, to be formally on the panel – it’s very important.”

Pemberton Greenish is set to continue on its leasehold reform work, while Trowers will handle the main lettings, sales and affordable housing stock work.

The Crown Estate’s residential portfolio is understood to form only a small part of the landowner’s assets. Its total annual legal spend was between £5m and £6m last year.