- News
All the latest updates on building safety reformRegulations latest
- Focus
- Comment
- Programmes
- CPD
- Building the Future
- Jobs
- Data
- Subscribe
- Events
2024 events calendar
Explore nowBuilding Awards
Keep up to date
- Building Boardroom
All the latest updates on building safety reform
2024 events calendar
Explore nowBuilding Awards
Keep up to dateBy Tony Bingham2025-03-17T06:00:00
A vendor who fails to answer the pre-contract questionnaire honestly can find the whole house sale reversed
The developer spent a load of money bringing this 1850s Notting Hill property up to snuff – over £10m – then sold it for £32.5m. But the sale was moth-eaten. He now has to give back the £32.5m and more besides, in damages and costs.
The story goes like this. William Woodward-Fisher bought Horbury Villa, Ladbroke Grove, in 2012 for £10.4m. He is a general practice surveyor. He and his wife moved in and spent another £10m on substantial works over the next few years. In 2018, Mrs Woodward-Fisher noticed a problem with clothes moths in the house; they had damaged some expensive clothing. Pest control folk were engaged. The suspicion was that lambswool insulation was partially infected prior to installation.
Then the moths multiplied. Spray treatment was done and done again, and removal of the insulation was urged. The for-sale boards discreetly went up. Potential purchasers arrived; a deal was in the wind. The usual pre-contract enquiries began. Solicitors were on board.
…
You are not currently logged in.
LOGIN or REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts.
Take out a print and online or online only subscription and you will get immediate access to:
Get access to premium content subscribe today