Top 10 Property Litigation Lawyers in Manchester

Q: What is property litigation?

It involves disputes relating to property, including landlord and tenant, ownership and development issues.

Q: Do I need a solicitor for a landlord and tenant dispute?

Yes. Solicitors provide advice on leases, arrears, dilapidations, forfeiture and service charge disputes.

Q: What courts hear property disputes?

County Courts and the High Court depending on value and complexity.

Q: Can disputes be resolved without court?

Yes. Mediation, arbitration and negotiation are frequently used.

Q: How long do property disputes take?

Simple disputes may resolve in months; complex development cases can take years.

Q: Can tenants challenge service charges?

Yes, they can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Q: Do Manchester firms act for landlords and tenants?

Yes, many firms represent both sides depending on the matter.

Q: Are alternative dispute resolution methods common?

Yes, ADR is widely encouraged and often more cost-effective.

Q: What costs are involved?

Costs vary. Solicitors may offer estimates or fixed fees. Losers may be ordered to pay costs in litigation.

Q: How do I choose the right firm?

Assess their expertise in your type of dispute, directory rankings, partner involvement and client feedback.

Property litigation covers disputes relating to residential and commercial property, landlord and tenant matters, lease renewals, dilapidations, service charges and development issues. Manchester is home to many strong litigation practices with expertise in this field. This guide highlights ten leading firms with three named lawyers each to help you compare their teams.

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Selection criteria

Ranked in independent directories for property litigation
Strong Manchester presence with recognised partners
Expertise across commercial landlord/tenant, development and residential disputes

1. Eversheds Sutherland

International firm with Manchester office, well known for real estate disputes.

Lawyers: Natasha Rees, Paul Wainwright, Lee Gordon.

Sources: Eversheds property litigation overview.

2. Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Major Manchester-headquartered firm with a strong real estate litigation group.

Lawyers: Jane Stockdale, Carl Williamson, James Kaye.

Sources: Addleshaw Goddard property disputes.

3. DWF Law LLP

National firm with significant Manchester property disputes practice.

Lawyers: Andrew Symms, Caroline McBride, Oliver Bray.

Sources: DWF property litigation.

4. Shoosmiths LLP

Manchester office handles landlord and tenant, development disputes and real estate litigation.

Lawyers: Kirsty Black, Joanne Jarvis, Michael Briggs.

Sources: Shoosmiths real estate litigation.

5. CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

International firm with Manchester office advising on major commercial real estate disputes.

Lawyers: Laura West, Sarah Carter, Christopher Boyd.

Sources: CMS Manchester property litigation.

6. Pinsent Masons LLP

Market-leading firm with Manchester real estate litigation team covering complex development issues.

Lawyers: Joanne Ellis, Nick Brown, Ben Derbyshire.

Sources: Pinsent Masons property disputes.

7. Ward Hadaway

Regional firm with Manchester office, strong in landlord and tenant litigation.

Lawyers: Alison Hall, Rebecca Jackson, Matthew Dunlap.

Sources: Ward Hadaway property litigation.

8. Brabners LLP

North West firm with Manchester office, experienced in commercial and residential property disputes.

Lawyers: Gareth Farrelly, Vanessa McClenaghan, Matthew O’Brien.

Sources: Brabners property litigation.

9. Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Manchester team with expertise in social housing and commercial property disputes.

Lawyers: Rebecca Rees, Sarah Greenhalgh, Michael Green.

Sources: Trowers Manchester real estate disputes.

10. Hill Dickinson LLP

Well-established Manchester firm with expertise in landlord and tenant and development-related litigation.

Lawyers: Michael Bennett, Louise Power, Andrew Little.

Sources: Hill Dickinson property litigation.

Frequently asked questions

What is property litigation

It is the resolution of disputes relating to property through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings, covering landlord and tenant, development and ownership issues.

Do I need a solicitor for a landlord and tenant dispute

Yes. Solicitors provide advice on leases, rent arrears, dilapidations, forfeiture and service charge disputes, helping avoid costly mistakes.

What courts hear property disputes

County Courts and the High Court hear property litigation cases in England and Wales, depending on complexity and value.

Can disputes be resolved without court

Yes. Mediation, arbitration and settlement negotiation are common ways to resolve disputes cost-effectively without trial.

How long do property disputes take

Simple disputes can be resolved within months; complex development or lease cases may take several years, especially if they proceed to trial.

Can tenants challenge service charges

Yes. Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to challenge the reasonableness of service charges.

Do Manchester firms act for landlords and tenants

Yes. Many listed firms represent both sides depending on the case, though some specialise more in landlord or tenant representation.

Are alternative dispute resolution methods common

Yes. Mediation and arbitration are increasingly used to keep disputes out of court and minimise cost and disruption.

What costs are involved

Costs vary depending on case complexity. Solicitors often provide estimates or fixed fees for certain matters. Losing parties may be ordered to pay costs in litigation.