Real Estate Disputes

We advise investors, developers, owners and occupiers of real estate on how best to avoid, manage and resolve real estate issues and disputes. We listen to your priorities and use our skills to reach a swift resolution.

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Renters’ Rights Act tracker

The Renters’ Rights Act has now received Royal Assent, and the first changes came into force in December 2025. The Act represents the biggest overhaul of the private rented sector in decades. Our specialist Real Estate Dispute Resolution team are here to keep you abreast of developments.

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Andrew Walker

Andrew Walker

Prevention is better than cure, so I advise my clients on how to avoid disputes in the first instance and how to manage them effectively should they happen.  I regularly work with occupiers, developers and investors in the real estate sector, with clients ranging from corporates and retailers to charities, educational establishments and nursing homes. I’ve established strong connections with many companies over the years and draw on extensive experience to successfully navigate a wide range of real estate issues including insolvency, landlord and tenant disputes and professional negligence claims.

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Specialist experts

Our real estate litigation team supports issues with land and property transactions such as development agreements and option and overage provisions. We have experience providing strategic advice to developers looking to secure sites as well as more specific issues such as restrictive covenants, rights of light and party wall disputes.

For sellers or purchasers of land, we advise on off-plan contracts and disputes, rights of way, disputed boundaries, nuisance and trespassing.

But our expertise doesn’t stop there. From lease renewals and rent reviews to subletting, dilapidations and possession, we’re here to provide clear and prompt advice for both landlords and tenants. We also advise on the insolvency of borrowers, tenants and landlords and professional negligence in the real estate arena, and probate issues relating to real estate rights.

Our approach

We listen to find out what clients want to achieve and tailor our advice accordingly. Using formal process only where it is appropriate to do, our aim is to support you to achieve your objectives. We keep in mind the broad commercial drivers of avoiding or at least minimising real estate liabilities and maximising income and capital returns.

As key members of the wider HCR property team, we work closely with our colleagues in the transactional, construction and planning teams to ensure a full and seamless real estate service for our clients.

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Services from our Dispute Resolution team

Recognition of our work

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal updates and thought leadership

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Hear what our clients say about us

I am thoroughly delighted with the exceptional outcome delivered following the advice provided by Ben on a recent lease dispute with our landlord. Ben took the time to carry out a comprehensive review of the background, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical aspects involved. His expert guidance and strategic approach ultimately led to a fantastic result, exceeding our expectations. The landlord agreed to waive historic charges and allowed us to terminate the lease early, resulting in significant cost savings. I would highly recommend Ben for his professionalism, expertise, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for his clients.

Client testimonial Real estate dispute

The property litigation team has an ability for nurturing talent. Professionally run and client-focused

Client testimonial Legal 500

The property litigation team has some impressive corporate clients, who trust the firm with their commercial landlord and tenant work.

Client testimonial Legal 500

The property litigation team has an ability for nurturing talent. Professionally run and client-focused.

Client testimonial Legal 500

We spent years looking for a team with the correct expertise, professionalism, drive, and responsiveness to handle our complex legal matter and dispute. This team was exactly that. Had they not been instructed we likely wouldn’t have reached a resolution at all, never mind one that was thorough and legally sound.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

The practice has a large property department and the people are on our wavelength: it is a good fit for our business.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

I can have straightforward conversations and get instant advice across various topics. I appreciate a quick turnaround, and they work hard to achieve this. I feel I am well looked after by everyone in the team.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Natalie Minott gives very good and clear advice with a strong commercial understanding.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Natalie does a great job and she’s a pleasure to work with.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Kate is always client-focused.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Andrew Walker leads the team across the firm and brings big ticket expertise and experience to the full range of property litigation matters.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Andrew Walker is a very experienced litigator who uses every ounce of that experience in cases.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Adverse possession lets someone claim ownership of land they’ve occupied without the owner’s permission, provided they’ve held it exclusively and openly, usually for 10 or 12 years depending on registration. It’s a common source of disputes between neighbours and landowners, and claims succeed or fail on the strength of the evidence. Our adverse possession solicitors advise both parties.

There’s no single time limit that applies to every boundary dispute, but delay can still count against you. Claims over a disputed boundary line are generally subject to a 12 year limitation period, while related issues like trespass or nuisance can carry shorter limits. The safest approach is to seek advice as soon as a dispute arises.

Most boundary disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation or an application to the Land Registry or First-tier Tribunal, rather than court proceedings, which tend to be a last resort. Title deeds, historical maps and physical features on the ground all help reach a resolution. We aim for a swift, practical outcome, escalating formally only when it’s genuinely needed.

Property litigation covers formal disputes over land or property rights that end up before a court or tribunal, from lease and possession disputes to boundary claims and breaches of covenant. Most disputes never actually reach that stage, since property litigation solicitors aim to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation first, saving litigation for when it’s genuinely necessary.

A land dispute litigator advises on and, where necessary, represents clients in disputes over land ownership, use or boundaries, from adverse possession and rights of way to disputed sales and breaches of covenant. Most of the work happens before anything reaches court, negotiating a resolution or strengthening a client’s position so a claim never needs to be litigated at all.

 A real estate dispute lawyer advises investors, developers, owners and occupiers on property related disputes, from boundary and rights of way issues to landlord and tenant disagreements and service charge disputes. The role is as much about avoiding a formal dispute as representing a client once one arises, weighing negotiation against litigation depending on what the matter actually needs.