Real Estate Litigation | UK Bar

St John's Chambers is the premier set for contentious property matters on the Western Circuit and remains a go-to for solicitors in the South West and further afield. The set boasts a deep roster of barristers with specialist real estate litigation expertise who appear at all levels of the court system, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The barristers are regularly instructed in everything from boundary disputes to dilapidations claims, and disagreements over lease renewals and other landlord and tenant issues, to disputes over contracts for the sale of land. A recent work highlight was the RM Residential v Westacre Properties appeal to the Upper Tribunal, in which members successfully represented the appellants in this landlord and tenant matter. An interviewee describes St John's Chambers as a "very strong regional set, just as skilled as London sets". Another sources states: "St John's Chambers has a good pool of barristers at a range of levels."

Guildhall Chambers boasts a number of property litigation specialists who frequently represent landowners and property managers, as well as private individuals and professionals, in misrepresentation, proprietary estoppel, adverse possession and right of way claims, as well as rectification and recovery proceedings. The set has a particular strength in agricultural land disagreements, for which it is well equipped to advise both landlords and tenants. A source describes the set as having the "depth in counsel to suit claims varying in complexity". A significant work highlight for this year is Friends of Becky Addy Wood v Bradford-on-Avon Town Council, a High Court claim in relation to a proprietary interest in ancient woodland.

Stephen Arnold is the property and estates senior practice manager.