Real Estate Litigation | UK Bar

Falcon Chambers is a leading specialist real estate litigation set, with an impressive bench of both silks and juniors appearing in high-profile cases. Members are able to provide expertise in the full range of real estate areas, including landlord and tenant disputes, rights of light, complex easement litigation and agriculture and telecommunications cases. Barristers at Falcon Chambers have been involved in Valley View Health Centre v NHS Property Services, a high-profile service charge matter, as well as Annington v Secretary of State for Defence, a case related to the privatisation of the Married Quarters Estate. One source comments: "Falcon Chambers remains one of the pre-eminent property chambers in England with a strength and depth of barristers to handle complex and sophisticated matters."

Landmark Chambers provides expertise in a host of areas, including core real property disputes as well as telecommunications and licensing cases. Landmark members regularly appear in the higher courts and continue to be instructed in high-profile and complex disputes, including Fearn v Tate Trustees, now considered the leading authority on nuisance law, and Annington Property Limited v MOD, a case revolving around the sale and leaseback of MOD's married accommodation. Rights of light, enfranchisement, overage disputes and trespass all feature in the set's recent caseload. A source states that the set has "property specialists and experts in high-value complex property disputes." Another adds: "I always have confidence in the barristers instructed from Landmark - they have great technical ability and are one of my go-to chambers."

Wilberforce Chambers acts in a wide range of property matters, including both residential and commercial landlord and tenant cases, development disputes, title disputes and agricultural property cases. Members appear frequently in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. This year the set has been instructed is such matters as Annington Property Ltd & Others v The Secretary of State for Defence and Manchester Ship Canal Company v United Utilities Water. A source reports that "members of Wilberforce have the ability to cut through complex matters and identify the points that are central to these and most important for clients," and another interviewee adds: "A premium offering of property counsel."

Gatehouse is home to accomplished barristers with strong experience in real estate litigation, who tackle a full assortment of cases including telecommunications, construction and professional negligence-related claims. Barristers at the set have been instructed in complex cases relating to trespassers, as well as land registration disputes. Members have appeared recently in high-stakes disputes including Valley View Health Care v NHSPS, a high-profile service charge dispute. A source states that the set is "my go-to for the complex matters which need careful handling and a keen eye on commerciality." Another interviewee remarks: "Its range of barristers is such that disputes at all levels can be handled very effectively."

Maitland Chambers enjoys a strong reputation for property litigation. The set is home to accomplished silks and juniors who provide clients with the benefit of extensive expertise in areas including landlord and tenant law, telecommunications matters and development disputes. Maitland Chambers is well equipped to handle mortgage cases and other disputes with complex commercial elements. Members of the set have this year appeared in significant cases including Cooper v Ludgate House, a major rights of light dispute related to a redevelopment on the South Bank. According to an interviewee: "Maitland is the leading set for real estate matters with tremendous strength in depth."

Selborne Chambers is noted for its broad skills in property litigation, providing expertise in areas ranging from development and dilapidations claims to possession disputes. Members are active in the Supreme Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. The set has continued to appear in London Trocedero v Picturehouse Cinemas, a high-profile rent recovery dispute. An interviewee praises the set as having a "very strong ability to handle difficult matters." Another source adds that the set has "real big hitters who have the ability to pick up complex matters."

Tanfield Chambers is highlighted for the expertise of its members in landlord and tenant disputes. Barristers at the set have a wealth of knowledge in such matters as lease disputes, restrictive covenants and development issues. The team is also known for its work in enfranchisement disputes. This last year members of the set appeared in Williams v Aviva Ground Rents, a service charge dispute, and Dell v 89 Holland Park Management. One interviewee comments: "The set has really good strength and depth on property." Another source adds: "They have a good set-up with bright and effective juniors ably assisting the silks."

Enterprise Chambers is noted for its strength in landlord and tenant disputes, with members frequently acting on both sides of complex disputes. Additional strength is found in complementary areas such as insolvency, professional negligence and a wide variety of cases heard in the Chancery Division. This year the set appeared in a number of significant matters, including Campden Hill Gate v Duchess of Bedford House, a dispute over parking rights. A source says: "They are very well recognised as a property chambers."

Radcliffe Chambers provides expertise in a host of contentious property matters, as well as related areas including trusts, professional negligence and insolvency disputes. Members have undertaken repair cases, service charge disputes, rent review matters and rights of way cases, among others. An instructing solicitor says: "Radcliffe Chambers are a fantastic set and a cut above the rest for both real estate and commercial litigation disputes." Another interviewee adds that the set has "great strength in depth across all levels of seniority."

Serle Court is a set with strong expertise across a wide range of real estate disputes, with recent experience in areas including waterways, restrictive covenants, service charges and trespassing. Members are experienced in both chancery and commercial cases. Barristers at the set act for high net worth individuals, investment and development companies and hotel groups, among other clients. Barristers at the set have been involved in several high-profile matters this year, including continued work in Asturion Foundation v Princess Al Jawharah bint Ibrahim al Ibrahim, in which the set is acting for Princess Al Jawharah in resisting claims to a London property. One source comments that the set has "real strength in depth and extremely competent barristers."