Andrew Skelly secures successful outcome in neighbour property dispute

Gatehouse Chambers is pleased to report that Andrew Skelly represented the successful defendant in a landlord & tenant dispute heard in the Central London County Court. The case concerned a claim brought by a university professor against his neighbour and freeholder, alleging that disclosures made during the attempted sale of a flat were a breach of covenant for quiet enjoyment and rendered the property “unsellable”, causing financial loss.

The claimant sought damages of £80,000, contending that the defendant had unnecessarily disclosed historic disputes and issues relating to the flat to a prospective purchaser, which resulted in an offer being withdrawn.

Following a four-day trial, the court dismissed the claim in its entirety, finding that the defendant had acted appropriately in informing a prospective purchaser of both historic and ongoing matters affecting the flat.

In giving judgment, the court emphasised the importance of transparency in property transactions, recognising that prospective buyers are entitled to understand the full history and context of the property they intend to purchase. The claimant was ordered to pay substantial costs following the unsuccessful claim.

Andrew Skelly has extensive experience in real property disputes, including boundary issues, easements and neighbour conflicts, and regularly advises and represents clients in complex property litigation. Learn more here.