Property Disputes

Property can be essential to the value and running of your business, your largest investment, or your home. Our expertise ensures the financial and personal value of your property is safeguarded and maintained.

Protecting the Value of What Matters Most — Your Property

We have expertise in a wide range of property litigation matters, including for commercial property; 1954 Act negotiations, disputes over leases, dilapidation claims and many more. For all types of properties, we have expertise in disputes with builders and architects, professional negligence actions against solicitors, surveyors and others and neighbour disputes.

At Christopher Burgon, we act for owners, tenants, developers, landlords, surveyors and other professionals in resolving complex and high-stakes property disputes. Whether your issue involves commercial, industrial or mixed-use property, our team has the legal knowledge, technical understanding and practical experience to protect your interests, safeguard financial value, and recover losses where possible.

Here are some of the areas in which we regularly advise and litigate:

• Commercial Leases and the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
  Where business premises are let under a commercial lease, the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 gives tenants certain protections in respect of lease renewal and security of tenure. We guide clients through the process of renewing or resisting renewal under the 1954 Act, whether negotiating fresh lease terms, dealing with “contracting out” or handling the court procedure if the parties cannot agree.

• Dilapidation Claims
  At the end of leases, landlords often issue dilapidation claims for disrepair, breach of repair and restoration obligations, or failure to reinstate premises as required by lease terms. We work with specialist surveyors to prepare or challenge “schedule of dilapidations” (both interim and terminal), quantify loss, and negotiate or litigate claims. We also advise tenants on defences and mitigation, including how to limit liability or reduce cost.

• Professional Negligence
  Mistakes by surveyors, architects, solicitors or other professionals can cost thousands or even millions. Whether due to faulty advice, negligent drafting of leases or contracts, incorrect valuations, or failure to spot burdens on title, our team can bring or defend claims for professional negligence. We ensure that the chain of responsibility is identified, losses are properly calculated, and defences are explored.

• Lease Disputes
  Disagreements over lease interpretation, responsibilities for repairs, service charges, rent review clauses, break clauses, assignment or subletting, and enforcing covenants (both landlord and tenant obligations) are common. We represent clients in resolving these through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), expert determination, or litigation, depending on what is most efficient and effective.

• Neighbour Disputes and Boundary Matters
  Issues with adjoining landowners, rights of way, encroachments, party wall matters, or nuisance can disrupt businesses and home life alike. We assist clients in asserting or defending rights, arranging surveys or expert evidence, and seeking injunctive relief or compensation where lawful.

• Disputes with Builders, Architects & Contractors
  Whether defective works, delay, breach of contract, or design defects, the consequences can be significant. We assess whether claims should be made under contracts, warranty provisions, or even in tort (for example, negligence or misrepresentation), and coordinate legal and technical strategy, so clients can recover costs or compel remedial work.

How We Approach Property Disputes

• Early Analysis & Strategy
  From the first meeting we identify the legal rights and obligations under the lease, contract or statutory framework. We pair this with technical or surveyor evidence where needed, and assess possible outcomes and exposure.

• Cost-Effective Resolution
  Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming. Whenever possible, we pursue earlier settlement by negotiation, mediation or other forms of ADR.
  For example, in dilapidations claims, parties are encouraged to exchange schedules, meet “without prejudice”, narrow issues and settle before going to court.

• Robust Representation in Court
  When a dispute cannot be resolved outside court, we are fully prepared to take claims through to trial. Our advocates have experience in county courts, high courts and specialist tribunals.

• Expert Collaboration
  Many property disputes require input from chartered surveyors, architects, valuers or other experts. We co-ordinate closely with technical professionals to obtain evidence or reports that bolster your case.

• Protecting Reputation & Interests
  We understand that property disputes can have reputational, financial and operational consequences. Our work is not just about winning a case, but ensuring minimal disruption, preserving commercial relationships where possible, and securing outcomes that protect your investment, business or home.

Why Choose Christopher Burgon

• A team with specialist knowledge in the full range of property litigation law.
• Strong track record in commercial lease renewals, dilapidations, professional negligence, lease disputes and related claims.
• Prudent and pragmatic advice: we explain risks and likely costs, enabling you to choose the best route forward.
• Client-centred service: clear communication, transparent fee estimates, and regular updates.