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Real Estate Dispute Legal Services
When it comes to property, things don’t always go according to plan.
The global real estate market is constantly transforming and the sector has never been more complex. As a result, real estate disputes continue to rise.
Property litigation
From private individuals to major international organisations, we can assist you in handling all types of property disputes. We understand the complexities of commercial, residential and agricultural property issues from the perspective of both landlords/tenants and owners/occupiers. We aim to be your trusted advisors and offer you a tailored and flexible service to support you in both your legal and business requirements. Our clients include some of the UK’s largest estates, developers, charities and investors.
As one of the largest teams in the UK, we have extensive expertise in the commercial, residential and mixed-use sectors. This gives us an edge in resolving disputes and providing clear and strategic advice to our clients. We have a proven track record of helping clients maximise opportunities and minimise risks.
We are thought leaders in the property industry, including the residential sector, and publish regular insights on our Building Up, and Essential Residential hubs.
Property and finance disputes
The property market is facing a period of sustained change. The economic situation is fast-moving, which brings many opportunities but also threats. Financial investments in property might no longer be as attractive. Lenders are having to carefully manage defaults. Borrowers too need to manage their positions to achieve the best result from their debt arrangements.
We are seeing a growth in disputes, particularly professional negligence, emanating out of fractional investing in property assets, for instance in development projects, residential accommodation, hotels and care homes.
Tax developments are also impacting those with interests in property such as hotels, public houses, restaurants and nightclubs etc. Owners of certain trade-related properties are facing the prospect of HMRC clawing back significant sums over the way property was valued for the purposes of intangibles relief and the valuation of goodwill.
Our real estate disputes legal expertise
We advise on all types of disputes affecting commercial, residential agricultural property including (but not limited to) the following:
- recovery of rent and service charge arrears
- business lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
- termination of leases
- dilapidations
- possession of property
- mortgage and security
- property related insolvency
- third party rights over land
- title and neighbour issues
- property related professional negligence
- compulsory purchase matters
- leasehold enfranchisement
- property tax and finance disputes
Our recent property and finance disputes experience
- A number of linked offshore companies had defaulted on their loan repayment obligations, in respect of a loan facility for over £100M. Following a covenant breach, the lender refused to make available part of the loan. This resulted in the lender appointing receivers, who in turn brought proceedings for possession. We were able to conclude beneficial conditional settlement terms with the lender.
- A leading property-based lender needed advice on multiple enforcement strategies. We worked in close collaboration with our Real Estate Finance team to advise the client on the appropriate strategy.
- A group of private individuals, many of them located overseas, lost a considerable sum in a failed property development. This resulted in string of professional negligence claims and property security issues which we swiftly acted upon.
- A high-net-worth private individual lent monies against a property development and the developer later entered into administration. Our client’s position was not properly registered by the initial solicitors, resulting in a loss of their security interest. We successfully represented the client in the professional negligence dispute against the firm of solicitors.
Advisory and dispute resolution
In addition to advisory work, we regularly act in matters before the court or tribunal. However, we recognise that there are benefits to avoiding litigation and that the suitability of methods of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration or expert determination, should be explored. We aim to provide a holistic service that looks at the 'bigger picture' from the outset, and regularly advise and assist on these matters both at the early stages of a dispute, or when the proceedings are underway.
Feesible
A flexible suite of litigation and funding options, taking the cost and cash flow concerns inherent in dispute resolution out of the question.
Essential Residential Hub
A hub bringing together our expert insights and news on residential property.
Our real estate dispute services
Construction & Engineering
We understand the challenges on large scale construction and engineering projects and can provide you with a personable, highly responsive specialist service.
Dispute Resolution
Our team of experts delivers commercial, pragmatic and strategic advice tailored to your needs and objectives across an unrivalled range of sectors and specialisms.
Leasehold Enfranchisement
Leasehold enfranchisement is a continually evolving area of law that can cause considerable anxiety for both landlords and tenants.
Meet our real estate dispute lawyers
Some of our clients
Related pages
Real Estate Development
Our lawyers are experienced in all areas of commercial, residential and mixed-use development and will provide practical, timely and innovative advice.
Logistics & Supply Chains
We understand the various issues that may affect you and will work alongside you through the full logistics and supply chain life cycle.
Occupier Services
Our skilled Occupier Services team has extensive experience of advising companies.
Planning, Infrastructure & Environment
We provide tailored commercial planning and environmental advice to developers, landowners and investors.
Real Estate Investment
We work proactively with you to handle all aspects of the commercial property investment lifecycle, from acquisition and management to disposal.
Life Sciences Real Estate
Our Life Sciences Real Estate team will work alongside your business to help you assess both the opportunities and the risks you may face.
Strategic Land
Our strategic land team offers a one-stop service to landowners, helping you plan for and realise maximum value.
What's important to you is important to us. Let's talk
If you would like to speak to a member of our Real Estate & Disputes team or to find out more about how we work, please get in touch.
More real estate disputes articles
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The Times quotes William Marriott and Lauren Fraser on the impact of Land Registry on property transactions
William Marriott
In the Press
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Georgina Muskett writes for Property Week on property development and telecoms operators
Georgina Muskett
In the Press
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Property Patter: Great Estates Miniseries – part 3 (or where to find excellent cheesecake and chocolate!)
Emma Humphreys
Podcasts
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Renters’ Rights Bill: The abolition of the fixed term tenancy and its impact on PBSAs
Laura Bushaway
Insights
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New vs Renew: the aftermath of the High Court judgment on the M&S development
Sophie Willis
Quick Reads
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Property Week quotes James Souter on a legal case relating to Annington Properties and the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act
James Souter
In the Press
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Former F1 boss claims HSBC mis-sold ‘low-risk’ bond linked to high-risk property markets
Joe Edwards
Insights
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Property Week quotes Lauren Fraser on the case of A1 Properties (Sunderland) vs Tudor Studios RTM Company in the Supreme Court
Lauren Fraser
In the Press
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Supreme Court gives guidance on errors in statutory notices concerning property
Laura Bushaway
Insights
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The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 introduces changes to the Building Safety Act 2022
Carris Peacey
Insights
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The Financial Times and BBC quote Andrew Ross on a Supreme Court judgment affecting water companies and private landowners
Andrew Ross
In the Press
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Property Patter: Building and Fire Safety Miniseries - part 3
Michael O'Connor
Podcasts
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The Conservative and Labour Manifestos and Renters Reform: Focus on Build to Rent and Student Accommodation
Lauren Fraser
Insights