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Overview

Our free UK Land Law notes provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the key principles and cases in UK land law. Whether you're studying for exams or simply want to learn more, these notes will help you understand concepts such as concurrent interests, family homes, trusts of land, leases, easements, licences, proprietary estoppel, covenants, mortgages, registration, and adverse possession. If you think something could be improved, let us know, and we'll take a look.

1. Concurrent Interests

Malayan Credit Ltd v Jack Chia-MPH Ltd [1986] AC 549 (PC) - Tenancy in common analysis.
Bull v Bull [1955] 1 QB 234 (CA) - Shared ownership structure.
Williams v Hensman (1861) 70 ER 862 - Methods of severance criteria.
Nielson Jones v Fedden [1975] Ch 222 - Limits on implied severance.
Berkley v Poulett [1997] 1 EGLR 86 - Fixture vs. chattel distinctions.
Williams v Hensman (1861) 70 ER 862 - Overview of methods.
Burgess v Rawnsley [1975] Ch 429 - Mutual agreement severance.
Re Draper's Conveyance [1969] 1 Ch 486 - Effect of court proceedings on severance.
Harris v Goddard [1983] 3 All ER 242 - Severance must be immediate.
Kinch v Bullard [1998] 4 All ER 650 - Postal notice and severance.
Gore & Snell v Carpenter (1990) 60 P & CR 456 - Negotiations and severance.
Orgee v Orgee [1997] EWCA Civ 2650 - Practical approach to severance agreements.
Davis v Smith [2011] EWCA Civ 1603 - Parties’ intentions and severance.
Scala House and District Property Co Ltd v Forbes [1974] QB 575 - Partition of concurrent interests.
Williams & Glyn's Bank Ltd v Boland [1981] AC 487 - Overriding interests of spouse in actual occupation.

2. Family Homes

Resulting Trust

National Crime Agency v Dong [2017] EWHC 3116 - Presumption of resulting trust in suspicious transactions.
Marr v Collie [2017] UKPC 17 - Business and domestic properties: contrasting resulting trusts.
Chaudhary v Chaudhary [2013] EWCA Civ 858 - Financial contributions and beneficial interests.

Common Intention Constructive Trust

Chhokar v Chhokar [1984] FLR 313 - Protecting spouse in physically absent situations.
Sen v Headley [1991] Ch 425 - Donatio mortis causa overlapping with constructive trust.
Stack v Dowden [2007] 2 AC 432 (HL) - Presumption of joint ownership in jointly titled family homes.
Jones v Kernott [2012] 1 AC 776 - Changing common intention over time.
Vaughan v Vaughan [1953] 1 QB 762 - Family conduct evidencing intention.

Express Trust

Goodman v Gallant [1986] Fam 106 - Conclusiveness of express declarations on shares.

Specious Excuse

Eves v Eves [1975] 1 WLR 1338 (CA) - Direct representations creating beneficial interest.
Grant v Edwards [1986] Ch 638 - Excuses for not putting name on title.
Curran v Collins [2015] EWCA Civ 404 - Weaker excuses and detrimental reliance.

Pre-Stack Cases

Burns v Burns [1984] Ch 317 - Contribution-based beneficial interest approach.
Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset [1991] 1 AC 107 - Narrow test for acquisition of interest.
Geary v Rankine [2012] EWCA Civ 555 [2012] 2 FLR 1409 (CA) - Commercial vs. domestic intentions.
Aspden v Elvy [2012] EWHC 1387 (Ch) - Substantial improvements establishing share.
Oxley v Hiscock [2005] Fam 211 - Fair shares approach where no clear common intention.
Barnes v Phillips [2016] HLR 24 - Dynamic changes in contributions.
Graham York v York [2016] 1 FLR 407 - Judicial discretion in quantifying shares.

3. Trusts of Land

Re Inns [1947] Ch 576 - Beneficiaries’ consent to dispositions.
Re Herklots [1964] 1 WLR 583 - Overreaching and consent issues.

Order of Sale

Williams v Hensman (1861) 1 J&H 546 - Statutory power for sale in co-ownership.
Bagum v Hafiz [2015] EWCA Civ 80 - Court’s power to order sale or buyout.
Re Buchanan-Wollaston’s Conveyance [1939] Ch 738 - Purpose of trust restricting sale.
Jones v Challenger [1961] 1 QB 176 - Matrimonial home context for ordering sale.
Bedson v Bedson [1965] 2 QB 666 - Family dispute and order of sale.
Re Citro [1990] 3 All ER 952 - Insolvency and sale.
Abbey National plc v Moss [1993] 26 HLR 249 - Postponement of sale and personal circumstances.
Barca v Mears [2004] EWHC 2170 - Human rights arguments.
Mortgage Corporation v Shaire [2001] Ch 743 - Shift from strict sale approach.
Bank of Ireland Home Mortgages Ltd v Bell [2001] 2 FLR 809 (CA) - Balancing creditor vs. family.
First National Bank plc v Achampong [2003] EWCA Civ 487 - Secured creditors’ interests.
White v White [2004] 2 FLR 321 - Interests of children considered.

Possession and Financial Adjustment

Rodway v Landy [2001] Ch 703 - Partition or sharing occupation.
Re Pavlou [1993] 1 W.L.R. 1046 - Charges on co-owned property.
Stack v Dowden [2007] UKHL 17 - Quantification of shares.
French v Barcham [2008] 1 WLR 1124 - Mortgage liabilities and occupation.
Davis v Jackson [2017] 1 WLR 4005 - Equitable accounting among co-owners.

4. Leases

Contract or Property?

Hussein v Mehlman [1992] 2 EGLR 287 - Nature of lease vs. contract.
National Carriers Ltd v Panalpina (Northern) Ltd [1981] AC 675 - Frustration in commercial leases.
Bruton v London & Quadrant Housing Trust [1999] UKHL 26 - Non-proprietary lease concept.
Kay v Lambeth LBC [2006] 2 AC 465 - Rights of licensees vs. tenants.
Hammersmith & Fulham LBC v Monk [1992] 1 AC 478 - Joint tenancies in leases.

Exclusive Possession

Lease vs. Licence - Core distinction.
Lace v Chantler [1944] KB 368 - Certainty of term.
Street v Mountford [1985] AC 809 - Landmark test for exclusive possession.
AG Securities v v aughan [1988] UKHL 8 - Multiple occupancy arrangements.
Aslan v Murphy [1989] 3 All ER 130 - Sham licence clauses.
Antoniades v Villiers [1988] UKHL 8 - Joint licence vs. joint tenancy.
Huwyler v Ruddy (1996) 28 HLR 550 (CA) - Exclusive possession in social housing.
Stewart v Watts [2018] Ch 423 - Control over property indicating lease.
Westminster City Council v Clarke [1992] 2 AC 288 - Exclusions for hostels/hospitals.

Uncertain Term

Mexfield Housing Co-operative Ltd v Berrisford [2012] 1 AC 955 - Turning uncertain term into 90-year lease.
Ashburn Anstalt v Arnold [1989] Ch 1 - Licence vs. lease distinctions.
Southward Housing Cooperative Ltd v Walker [2015] EWHC 1615 - Clarification on uncertain term in housing.

Tenancy at Will and Equitable Leases

Long v Tower Hamlets LBC [1996] 2 All ER 683 - Tenancy at will situation.
Javad v Aqil [1991] 1 WLR 1007 - Negotiations leading to implied periodic tenancy.
Walsh v Lonsdale (1882) 21 Ch D 9 - Doctrine of anticipation for equitable leases.
Coatsworth v Johnson [1886] 54 LT 520 - Specific performance condition for equitable lease.

5. Easements

Requirements for Validity

Understanding Easements - Basic overview.
Holland v Hodgson (1872) LR 7 CP 328 - Degree of annexation (contextual).
British Economical Lamp Co v Empire Mile End [1913] 29 TLR 386 - Business profit easement.
Hill v Tupper (1863) 2 H & C 121 - Must accommodate dominant tenement.
Moody v Steggles (1879) 12 Ch D 261 - Commercial benefit can accommodate land.
Re Ellenborough Park [1956] Ch 131 - Foundational criteria for easements.
Regency Villas Ltd v Diamond Resorts (Europe) Ltd [2018] UKSC 57 - Recognition of recreational easements.
Copeland v Greenhalf [1952] Ch 488 - Easement vs. claim to possession.
London & Blenheim Estates Ltd v Ladbroke Retail Parks Ltd [1992] 1 WLR 1278 - Clarification of storage easements.
Batchelor v Marlow [2003] 1 WLR 764 - Reasonable use test (ouster principle).
Moncrieff v Jamieson [2007] UKHL 42 - Alternative ouster approach.
Phipps v Pears [1965] 1 QB 76 - No new negative easements.
Rance v Elvin (1985) 50 P&CR 9 - Easement of water supply.

Implication by Necessity

Nickerson v Barraclough [1981] Ch 426 - Strict approach to necessity.
Pwllback Colliery Co Ltd v Woodman [1915] AC 634 - Common intention needs.
Wong v Beaumont Property Trust Ltd [1965] 1 QB 173 - Ventilation easement via common intention.

Implication by the Rule in Wheeldon v Burrows

Wheeldon v Burrows (1879) 12 Ch D 31 - Quasi-easements passing on conveyance.
Ward v Kirkland [1967] Ch 194 - Continuous and apparent use.
Wheeler v JJ Saunders Ltd [1996] Ch 19 - Strict necessity standard.
Borman v Griffith [1930] 1 Ch 493 - General right of way implied.

Implication by s62 LPA 1925

Wright v Macadam [1949] 2 KB 744 - Innocent permission becomes a legal easement.
Green v Ashco Horticultural Ltd [1966] 1 WLR 889 (CA) - Diversity of occupation requirement.
Goldberg v Edwards [1950] Ch 247 - Prior use upgraded to easement.
Clark v Barnes [1929] 2 Ch 368 - Conveyance needed under s62.
Long v Gowlett [1923] 2 Ch 177 - No new right if no prior use.
Kent v Kavanagh [2007] Ch 1 - Relevance of common ownership.
Wood v Waddington [2014] EWHC 1358 (Ch) - Regular use implied under s62.
Gore v Naheed [2017] EWCA Civ 369 - Access ways and s62 expansions.

6. Licences

Contractual Licences

Thomas v Sorrell (1673) Vaugh 330 - Early distinction of licence vs. lease.
Tanner v Tanner [1975] 1 WLR 1346 - Contractual obligation to house family member.
Hurst v Picture theatres Ltd [1915] 1 KB 1 - Revocation after lawful entry.
Winter Garden Theatre (London) Ltd v Millennium Productions Ltd [1948] AC 173 [1946] 1 All ER 678 (HL) - Court’s equitable control over revocation.
Hounslow LBC v Twickenham Garden Development Ltd [1971] Ch 233 - Protection against wrongful eviction.
King v David Allen [1916] 2 AC 54 - Contractual licence enforceable in some contexts.
Clore v Theatrical Properties Ltd [1936] 3 All ER 483 - Scope of licence.
Errington v Errington [1952] 1 KB 290 - Licence supported by ongoing payments.

Constructive Trust of Licence

Binions v Evans [1972] Ch 359 (CA) - Licence protected by constructive trust.
Lyus v Prowsa Developments Ltd [1982] 1 WLR 1044 - Contractual right preserved on transfer.
Ashburn Anstalt v Arnold [1989] Ch 1 - Constructive trust vs. licence distinction.
IDC Group Ltd v Clark [1992] 1 EGLR 187 (CA) - Constructive trust depends on conscience.
Chaudhary v Yavuz [2012] 2 All ER 418 - No easement or trust from a mere licence.
Chattey v Farndale (1998) 75 P&CR 298 - Clear intention needed for constructive trust.
National Provincial Bank Ltd v Ainsworth [1965] AC 1175 (HL) - Licence not binding third parties unless proprietary.

7. Proprietary Estoppel

Cause of Action

Dillwyn v Llewellyn (1862) 4 De GF & J 517 (Ch) - Early formulation of equity-based claim.

Representation

Crabb v Arun DC [1976] Ch 179 (CA) - Right of way via estoppel.
Yeoman's Row Management Ltd v Cobbe [2008] UKHL 55 - Commercial setting, strict demands for estoppel.
Thorner v Major [2009] UKHL 18 - Family assurance for farm inheritance.
Dowding v Matchmove [2016] EWCA Civ 1233 - Oral assurances in land deal context.

Reliance

Taylor Fashions Ltd v Liverpool Victoria Trustees Co Ltd [1981] 1 All ER 897 - Flexible approach to reliance.
Re Basham [1987] 1 All ER 405 - Causal link between promise and detriment.
Gillett v Holt [2001] Ch 210 - Holistic examination of parties’ conduct.
Greasley v Cooke [1980] 3 All ER 710 - Presumption of reliance once detriment shown.
Henry v Henry [2010] UKPC 3 [2010] 1 All ER 988 - Proportionality in detriment.

Relief

Pascoe v Turner [1979] 1 WLR 431 - Transfer of freehold as remedy.
Sledmore v Dalby (1996) 72 P&CR 196 - Equity extinguished by changed circumstances.
Jennings v Rice [2003] 1 P&CR 8 - Proportionate remedy principle.
Suggitt v Suggitt [2012] WTLR 1607 - Will-based farm estoppel remedy.
Habberfield v Habberfield [2019] EWCA Civ 890 - Farm succession promises.
Williams v Staite [1979] Ch 291 - Trust or licence remedy.
Maharaj v Chand [1986] 3 All ER 107 - Assurance of marriage home.
Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd v Sabherwal (2000) 80 P&CR 256 - Priority of estoppel over mortgage if lender on notice.

8. Covenants

Building Scheme

Re Pinewood Estate [1958] Ch 280 - Common intention for reciprocal covenants.
Elliston v Reacher [1908] 2 Ch 374 - Conditions for building scheme enforcement.
Re Dolphin's Conveyance [1970] Ch 654 - Defined area and reciprocal obligations.
Texaco Antilles Ltd v Kernochan [1973] AC 609 - International perspective on building schemes.
Emile Elias and Co Ltd v Pine Groves Ltd [1993] 1 WLR 305 - Strict adherence to scheme conditions.

Principle of Benefit and Burden

Ives v High [1967] 2 QB 379 - Estoppel bridging benefit and burden.
Thamesmead Town Ltd v Allotey (1998) 30 HLR 1052 - Benefit-and-burden rule in service charges.
Wilkinson v Kerdene [2013] EWCA Civ 44 - Modern clarification of reciprocal obligations.

9. Mortgages

Clogs and Fetters Doctrine

Santley v Wilde (1899) 2 Ch 474 - Inherent right to redeem.
Noakes v Rice [1902] AC 24 - Collateral stipulations must end on redemption.
Bradley v Carritt [1903] AC 253 - Ongoing collateral advantage struck down.
Kreglinger v New Patagonia Meat and Cold Storage Co Ltd [1914] AC 25 (HL) - Exception if collateral is truly independent.
Knightsbridge Estates Trust Ltd v Byrne [1939] Ch 441 - Long redemption date allowed if freely agreed.
Fairclough v Swan Brewery [1912] AC 565 - Must not make redemption illusory.
Samuel v Jarrah Timber and Wood Paving Corporation Ltd [1904] AC 323 - Option to purchase as a clog.
Jones v Morgan [2001] EWCA Civ 995 - Reinforcing the right to redeem free of restraint.
Lewis v Love [1961] 1 WLR 261 - Sale-leaseback arrangement as possible clog.
Warnborough Ltd v Garmite Ltd [2003] EWCA Civ 1544 - Substance over form approach.
Equity of Redemption - Overarching principle protecting borrower’s right.

Unconscionable Terms

Multiservice Bookbinding Ltd v Marden [1979] 2 All ER 489 (CA) - High interest rates not necessarily unconscionable if freely agreed.

Possession

Birmingham Citizens Permanent Building Society v Caunt [1962] Ch 883 - Lender’s right to possession before default trial.
Quennell v Maltby [1979] 1 WLR 318 - Equitable discretion to refuse possession.
White v City of London Brewery Co (1889) 42 Ch D 237 - Mortgagee in possession must account for profits.
Western Bank Ltd v Schindler [1976] 2 ALL ER 394 - Possession and equitable relief.
Cheltenham & Gloucester BS v Norgan [1996] 1 WLR 343 - Reasonable period for paying arrears.
Bristol & West Building Society v Ellis (1996) 73 P&CR 158 - Financial hardship insufficient to deny possession.
Britannia BS v Earl [1990] 1 WLR 422 (CA) - Postponement must be realistic.

Power of Sale

Bankway Properties Ltd v Pensfold-Dunsford [2001] 1 WLR 1369 (CA) - Early power of sale clause.
Cuckmere Brick Co Ltd v Mutual Finance Ltd [1971] Ch 949 (CA) - Duty to obtain proper price.
Silven Properties Ltd v Royal Bank of Scotland plc [2004] 1 WLR 997 - Mortgagee’s duty of care in marketing.
Horsham Properties Group Ltd v Clark [2009] 1 WLR 1255 - Power of sale and human rights.
Power of Sale - Overview of statutory mechanism.

Court-ordered Sale

Palk v Mortgage Services Funding plc [1993] Ch 330 - Court can order sale over mortgagee’s objection.
Cheltenham & Gloucester plc v Krausz [1997] 1 WLR 1558 (CA) - Limits on forced sale to clear arrears.

Foreclosure

Campbell v Holyland (1877) 1 Ch D 166 - Complete transfer of mortgagor’s interest.

10. Registration

Concurrent Interests

Williams & Glyn's Bank Ltd v Boland [1981] AC 487 - (Primary entry in “Concurrent Interests.”)
City of London BS v Flegg [1988] AC 54 - Beneficial interests overreached by mortgage.
Bristol & West Building Society v Henning [1985] 2 All ER 606 - Implied consent defeating overriding interest.
State Bank of India v Sood [1997] 1 All ER 169 - Overreaching despite no capital payment.
Paddington BS v Mendelsohn (1985) 50 P & CR 244 - Occupier’s implied consent.
Equity & Law v Prestidge [1992] 1 All ER 909 (CA) - Remortgages and equitable interests.
Wishart v Credit & Mercantile plc [2015] 2 P & CR 322 - Fraudulent transfers and trust interests.
Pye (Oxford) Ltd v Graham [2003] 1 AC 419 (HL) - (Also relevant to adverse possession.)

Notice

Lyus v Prowsa Developments Ltd [1982] 1 WLR 1044 - Preserving contractual rights on transfer.

Overriding Interests

National Provincial Bank Ltd v Ainsworth [1965] AC 1175 (HL) - (Primary entry in “Licences.”)
Malory Enterprises Ltd v Cheshire Homes (UK) Ltd [2002] Ch 216 - Fraudulent transfer and overriding.
Epps v Esso Petroleum Co Ltd [1973] 2 All ER 465 - Occasional use not overriding occupation.
Lloyds Bank v Rosset [1988] 3 All ER 915 - Occupier’s beneficial interest priority.
Abbey National v Cann [1990] 1 All ER 1085 (HL) - Timing of occupation.
Scott v Southern Pacific Mortgages Ltd [2015] AC 385 - No equitable right pre-completion.
Link Lending Ltd v Bustard [2010] EWCA Civ 424 - Actual occupation by a vulnerable person.
Chaudhary v Yavuz [2012] 2 All ER 418 - Staircase licence not overriding.
Mortgage Express v Lambert [2017] Ch 93 - Undue influence and overriding interests.
Baker v Craggs [2018] EWCA Civ 1126 - Priority dispute over easements as overriding.
Land Law Overriding Interests - Summary categories.

Alteration and Indemnity

NRAM Ltd v Evans [2018] 1 WLR 639 - Alteration to correct mistaken removal of charge.
Gold Harp Properties Ltd v MacLeod [2015] 1 WLR 124 - Rectification and third-party rights.
Swift 1st Ltd v Chief Land Registrar [2015] Ch 602 - Indemnity for rectification errors.

11. Adverse Possession

Nature of Title

Asher v Whitlock (1865) LR 1 QB 1 - Possession gives good title against all but true owner.
Rosenberg v Cook (1881) 8 QBD 162 - Relative title concept.

Requirements for Adverse Possession

JA Pye (Oxford) Ltd v Graham [2003] 1 AC 419 - Leading authority on factual possession and intention.
Perry v Clissold [1907] AC 73 - Rights of a possessor enforceable against all but legal owner.
Mount Carmel Investments Ltd v Peter Thurlow Ltd [1988] 1 WLR 1078 - Requisite factual control.
Site Developments (Ferndown) Ltd v Cuthbury Ltd [2010] EWHC 10 (Ch) - Identifying land subject to possession.
Leigh v Jack (1879) 5 Ex D 264 - Older approach to intention (superseded by Pye).
Seddon v Smith (1877) 36 LT 168 - Acts of possession showing ownership intent.
Powell v McFarlane (1979) 38 P & CR 452 - Guidance on factual possession test.
Re Nisbet and Potts’ Contract [1906] 1 Ch 386 - Adverse possession vs. encumbrances.
Tichborne v Weir (1892) 67 LT 735 - Adverse possession in leaseholds.
Fairweather v St Marylebone Property Co Ltd [1963] AC 510 - Adverse possession against head landlord.
Perry v Woodfarm Homes Ltd [1975] IR 104 - Irish perspective.
Chung Ping Kwan v Lam Island Development Co Ltd [1997] AC 38 (PC) - Hong Kong approach to possession.
Land Law Notes - General coverage of land ownership.

Possession Orders

R v Wandsworth County Court, ex p Wandsworth LBC [1975] 1 WLR 1314 - Procedure for eviction orders.
McPhail v Persons, Names Unknown [1973] Ch 447 - Injunctions and summary proceedings.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs v Meier [2009] 1 WLR 2780 - Injunction scope for trespassers.

Convention Rights

J A Pye (Oxford) Ltd v Graham (2008) 46 EHRR 45 - Human rights challenge to adverse possession rules.

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