Demonstrating ‘a great energy and sense of cohesion’, the Charles Russell Speechlys LLP team is highly recommended for its handling of property litigation issues, particularly in relation to mortgage-based disputes, landlord and tenant claims, and property finance matters. The group represents clients ranging from banks to large multinational companies, with the ‘exceptional’ Guilford-based head David Haines noted for his vast expertise in property-related professional negligence claims and dilapidations. Richard Flenley, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, regularly assists with development-based disputes and property insolvency elements, while Peter Levaggi focuses on contentious property finance work. Natalie Deuchar boasts significant experience in dealing with leasehold enfranchisement matters. Joe Edwards typically acts for offshore property investment vehicles and specialist real estate lenders.

Counting major property investors, HNWIs, and local authorities amongst its key clients, Cripps’ property dispute resolution team has extensive expertise in property insolvency and residential leasehold enfranchisement. Operating out of Tunbridge Wells, Miles Paffard leads the team, deploying his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ to work on opposed business lease renewals, service charge disputes, and dilapidations. Mike Scott is a ‘first-rate litigator’, regularly handling contract disputes and development agreement issues, while Nitej Davda concentrates on residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Having been promoted to partner in May 2022, Richard Housley focuses on issues concerning easements and covenants. In early 2024, the firm merged with Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Gail Morris, Craig Burton, James Clewlow and James Clewlow.

DMH Stallard LLP’s real estate dispute resolution group uses a ‘collaborative team approach’, drawing upon its resources from the Guilford and Gatwick offices to handle property-related professional negligence claims and contentious issues relating to development sites. Practice head Emily Wood boasts over 20 years’ experience working on commercial real estate disputes, while ‘professional and tenacious’ Tina George specialises in enfranchisement and lease extension work. James Picknell has expertise in handling landlord and tenant disputes, and Cheraine Williams focuses on dilapidation claims and contested 1954 Act lease renewals.

Co-headed by Mark Brown and Clare Bellis, the ‘technically astute’ real estate litigation team at Freeths LLP focuses primarily on the licensed leisure sector, acting for pub owners, national brewers, and hotel owners. Brown is based in Milton Keynes, and has vast expertise in dilapidation claims and forfeiture proceedings. Over in Oxford, the ‘dedicated and client focused’ Bellis has over 25 years’ experience in all aspects of property litigation. Adam Boyd was promoted to partner in April 2022, and advises clients on complex development projects, while managing associate Rosalyn Shephard specialises in Agricultural Tendencies Act 1995 litigation. Andrew Dashwood-Begg handles commercial and residential property litigation.

Moore Barlow’s property litigation practice is ‘technically excellent and commercially minded’, specialising in disputes relating to the use and occupation of land, as well as issues arising in contested possession actions. The firm’s offering is divided between the real estate disputes and financial services litigation departments, with Chris Marsden heading up the former, and Sarah Watley overseeing the latter. Marsden has extensive experience of handling right of light matters and construction disputes, while Watley focuses on complex residential and commercial possession claims. Susannah Marsh is an expert on professional negligence and title rectification issues, and Clair Phillips assists with latent defects and trust of land claims. Guilford-based Zoe Thompson is also highly regarded. Simon Beetham has moved to Foot Anstey.

The Guildford-based Stevens & Bolton LLP team demonstrates considerable strength in handling commercial landlord and tenant work, along with developing multi-site exit strategies for corporate occupiers. The firm acts for clients across the healthcare, automotive, and leisure industries, with Helen Wheddon leading the team on development work, including right of light cases and insolvency issues. Since joining the firm as partner in August 2022, Caroline DeLaney has focused on all aspects of property litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Managing associate Markus Klempa works on restrictive covenant issues and complex possession claims, while Stephanie Newton supports on development work and telecoms matters.

Counting residential sales and letting agencies, institutional landlords, and property management companies amongst its key clients, Boyes Turner’s real estate litigation team routinely handles residential block estate management dispute work and dilapidation claims, and is led by senior associate Russell May, who specialises in landlord and tenant disputes, as well as disputed break clauses. Associate Richard Pulford joined the firm in February 2022, and has over 11 years’ experience working on all aspects of property litigation, including possession and disrepair claims. The whole team is based in Reading.

Demonstrating ‘broad range and insight’ in relation to all elements of property litigation, the Blake Morgan LLP practice is highly regarded for its advice on judicial review claims in the High Court, and its handling of landlord and tenant disputes. Zoe Wright leads the team from Reading, offering extensive expertise in the telecoms property sector, and regularly handling claims for possession. Southampton-based legal director, Simon Pestell, acts for many commercial property developers, assisting with redevelopment schemes and reviewing property portfolios. In Oxford, Thomas Djan-Krofa focuses on restrictive covenants, easements, and adverse possession claims.

Headed by Michael Oatham, the Brachers litigation team brings ‘absolute clarity of thought and decision making‘ to all elements of property claims, with particular expertise in dilapidation claims and right to remain cases. Acting for NHS trusts, local authorities, and public bodies, Allis Beasley deploys her ‘practical nous‘ when handling large-scale development and contractual disputes. James Millis focuses on landlord and tenant claims, as well as professional negligence matters. Stephen Rogers joined as a senior associate from in June 2022.

Acting for both developers and objectors before a range of courts, IBB Law’s Uxbridge and Reading offices cover the whole spectrum of contentious property work. The firm is well regarded for its handling of commercial landlord and tenant matters, as well as high-value dilapidation claims. Jon Mowbray heads up the group, handling overage and right to light disputes, and restrictive covenants. Andrew Olins focuses on restrictive covenant and complex easement issues, and Caroline Cowley deals with breaches of lease and forfeiture troubles, having joined the firm as partner in January 2023. Associate Ellen Hitchman is also noted.

Fielding a ‘dynamic, hard-working and insightful’ real estate litigation team, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP specialises in handling the gamut of property disputes, from complex dilapidation claims to restrictive covenant issues. The firm has experience acting for clients in property disputes up to the Court of Appeal and High Court, with the ‘superb’ John Morrison providing vast expertise in commercial and residential landlord disputes. Associate Amy Evans is regularly acts on cases concerning easements and right to light. The team is based in Oxford.

Representing clients ranging from residential landlords to corporate occupiers, the Shoosmiths LLP real estate litigation group shows considerable strength in handling property-related High Court claims and complex strategic disposal work. Operating out of Reading, the ‘commercially astute’ Simon Foster heads the team, contributing vast expertise in the full breadth of commercial and residential property litigation. Senior associate Eleanor Grindley focuses on residential landlord and tenant disputes. Senior associate Aimee Teague is a ‘standout performer’, regularly acting for institutional investors and property funds. Milton Keynes-based Richard Willcox is highly regarded for his non-residential property litigation knowledge.

Deploying a ‘succinct, practical, and commercial’ approach, the Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP property disputes practice has recently handled Covid-19 rent arrears arbitration schemes and complex break notices. Based in Southampton, Mark Barley leads the team, providing expertise in contentious landlord and tenant matters, including lease renewals and dilapidations. Managing associate Vicki Young routinely handles adverse possession claims and land contract breaches, while associate Lauren Meade focuses on negotiating settlements and resolving commercial property disputes.

Demonstrating significant expertise in landlord and tenant litigation and statutory noise nuisance issues, the Reading-based BDB Pitmans practice regularly advises major real estate developers and national companies. Leading the team is Phil Smith, who frequently acts for clients on contractual claims and complex property disputes, and legal director David Williams, an expert on distressed real estate situations and assignments from insolvent tenants. Associate Sophie Squire focuses on housebuilder work and break notices, while David Gwillim heads up the contentious construction side of the team, supporting public authorities and private developers.

Acting for clients on lease renewals, dilapidation claims, and rent charge arrears, Dean Wilson LLP’s property litigation practice is praised by clients for inspiring 'great confidence'. Based out of Brighton, team head Claire Whiteman has over 20 years’ experience dealing with all aspects of property litigation, notably leasehold and freehold issues. Gabrielle Moffatt is ‘dedicated and excellent’, boasting expertise in landlord and tenant disputes, while Duncan Wilks focuses on contentious rent reviews and trusts of land matters. Solicitor Daniel Dickson handles licensing disputes and statutory lease extensions.

Counting clients from across the public, educational, charity, and commercial property industries as part of its roster, Field Seymour Parkes LLP’s property litigation team specialises in handling leasehold enfranchisements and enforcing restrictive covenants. Mark Banham heads the team from Reading, boasting a wealth of experience in commercial landlord and tenant disputes, along with residential lease extensions. Associate Philippa Garrod joined the group from Blandy & Blandy LLP in January 2022, bring expertise in real estate litigation matters to the team. In further team news, Tim Brookes joined as legal director in September 2022 and Alanis Ingham-Cotterell was promoted to solicitor in December 2022.

With Alastair Goggins leading the litigation division, and Michelle Di Gioia heading up the property-focused side, Gardner Leader LLP‘s Newbury-based team is recommended for its strength in mortgage repossession claims and breaches of leases. Goggins specialises in contentious matters involving trust disputes and estoppel claims, while Di Gioia handles rent arrears and restrictive covenants. Andrew Shipp focuses on TOLATA claims, while Maidenhead-based senior associate Sam Pinder assists with complex property litigation. Alex Tigwell joined the team as partner from Guillaumes in July 2022.

Headed by Luton-based Neil O’Callaghan, Machins Solicitors LLP’s dispute resolution practice fields 'a team of top class, highly professional, proactive lawyers'. Highly recommended associate Holly Baker routinely acts for letting agents and residential landlords, and senior solicitor Janice Young focuses on commercial landlord and tenant matters. Benedict Smith is ‘commercially astute’ when handling contentious probate and trusts of land issues.

Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP’s property litigation department has vast expertise in commercial dilapidation disputes, TOLATA cases, and lease renewals. The ‘approachable and professional’ team operates out of Brighton, East Grinstead, and Lewes, with ‘standout’ practice head Helen Bell bringing over 30 years’ experience in handling landlord and tenant disputes to the team. Jo Ironside focuses on complex lease extensions and acquisition orders. Associates Marika Monaghan and Paul Rooke handle right of way claims and boundary disputes, and possession actions, respectively. Nick Stockley joined from Dawson Hart in November 2022.

Operating out of Hornchurch, Pinney Talfourd LLP’s property litigation group provides a ‘diversity of services’, ranging from representation in TOLATA claims to lease extension matters. The team assists HNWIs, landlords, and estates, with ‘outstanding’ practice head Stephen Eccles contributing over 30 years’ experience in handling all aspects of property litigation, including cases in the Court of Appeal. Senior associate Lisa Eastwood is ‘articulate and compassionate’, specialising in landlord and tenant disputes, while associate Oliver-James Topping is a ‘hard worker’, focusing on forfeiture and dilapidation claims.

Representing property developers, HNWIs, and investment funds, the Tunbridge Wells-based Thomson Snell & Passmore team has expertise in landlord and tenant disputes, as well as adverse possession claims. The ‘pragmatic and knowledgeable’ Mark Steggles heads the group, specialising in property insolvency litigation and professional negligence claims, while Alison Sparks provides ‘expert advice’ to clients from the food and pension sectors. Associate James Parratt handles commercial and residential service charge disputes, and Grace Mercer focuses on enfranchisement claims. Guy Evans joined the firm as an associate from Russell-Cooke LLP in May 2022.

With expertise spanning the whole spectrum of contentious property issues, TWM Solicitors LLP’s team is highly recommended for its knowledge of lease renewals, landlord and tenant disputes, and professional negligence matters. Based in Guilford, David Hitchcock leads the dispute resolution side, and David Stockley heads up the collective enfranchisement division. Simon Burdett-Dixon has ‘a very analytical mind’, focusing on complex dilapidation and covenant disputes, while Wimbledon-based Eileen Barry handles asset recovery and construction issues. Stuart Downey is an expert on relevant trust and probate matters.

Demonstrating a ‘great range of expertise and skills’, B P Collins LLP’s property litigation practice has extensive experience of handling landlord and tenant disputes, ranging from dilapidations to forfeiture and breaches of covenant. Based in Gerrards Cross, Phil Hind leads the team, routinely representing multinational companies and commercial landlords in high-value property claims. Associate Elliott Brookes focuses on rights of way and boundary disputes. Manjot Dhillon is knowledgeable on breaches of lease and leasehold enfranchisement affairs, while Kishen Bhimsingh concentrates on TOLATA claims.

The property dispute resolution department at Blandy & Blandy LLP is ‘very well established’, dealing with all types of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. The firm's client roster ranges from large landowners to SMEs and local authorities. Reading-based senior associate Jonathan Dinsdale leads the team, providing in-depth expertise in complex court and tribunal proceedings. Asma Muneer focuses on contractual disputes. Consultant Philip D’Arcy is also highlighted.

Blaser Mills Law‘s property litigation practice covers the whole spectrum of disputes relating to commercial and residential land and buildings. Jonathan Lilley leads the team from High Wycombe, boasting extensive experience of acting on behalf of international freight forwarders, IT companies, and property investment corporations, while Sangita Manek handles residential and commercial possession claims. Sara Davis and associate Juliana Pooler are also noted.

Counting landlords, HNWIs, and national companies amongst its key clients, the Margate-based Boys & Maughan litigation team is highly regarded. The team is jointly headed up by Andrew Baker and Matt Champ; the former has extensive experience in handling probate disputes and property rights issues, while the latter is ‘highly knowledgeable’ in all areas of civil litigation and on injunctive relief. Senior solicitor Geena Parsons focuses on professional negligence claims, and solicitor Joana Daraskeviciute concentrates on landlord and tenant disputes. Paul Reeves is another key contact.

Split over two offices, the Dutton Gregory property litigation group is composed of a landlord and tenant department, and a commercial disputes division. In Chandler’s Ford, Gina Peters and senior associate Louise James oversee the team, with the former regularly handling all types of possession claims, and the latter handling forfeiture, dilapidations, and commercial rent recovery issues. Claire Bunton operates out of Bournemouth, working on property-related disputes and lease renewals.

Acting for clients across the public, retail, and construction sectors, the Colchester-based Ellisons Solicitors team shows considerable strength in handling complex restrictive covenant and dilapidation matters. Lee Pearce leads the dispute resolution division, with particular experience in commercial landlord and tenant issues. Associate Emma Jenkins is also noted. In team news, Sam Cook joined the team from Nockolds Solicitors in November 2022.

The ’punchy and effective’ Herrington Carmichael LLP team has extensive expertise in handling property disputes for international and national companies, along with HNWIs. Practice head Stephen Baker boasts over 20 years’ experience, and is supported by Frankie Tierney, who consistently acts for landowners, property developers, and investors in High Court cases. Solicitor Harriet Greener is another name to note.

Headed by David Eminton, the Southampton-based property litigation practice at Paris Smith LLP is typically instructed by national retail companies, HNWIs, and charities to handle all aspects of contentious property matters. Nicola Davies is an expert on landlord and tenant disputes affecting commercial and residential property. Solicitor Lucy Taggart focuses on residential work for private individuals, while Lisa White deals with commercial lease renewals.

Headed by Robert Twining from Tonbridge, the team at Warners Solicitors is highly experienced in handling adverse possession claims, boundary disputes, and right of way issues. Twining focuses on all aspects of landlord and tenant disputes, while 'clear-minded operator' Michael McNally handles boundary and trespass claims. Nick McKnight covers issues arising from commercial leases. Lisa Waghorne and Hope Flashman-Wells are also noted.