Housing needs can be a contentious part of divorce, with property particulars having the power to make or break a case. Our Property Particulars Report can streamline the process of parties reaching a faster and fairer settlement. Once completed, we can then support our clients with finding and securing their new home. Here is a case study of a report we completed last year for a financial dispute. 

We’ve been approached by a family law firm in London who wanted to substantiate their client’s housing needs case during a lengthy financial dispute. The lawyer was representing the wife who was in an emotionally vulnerable state, having been going through a long-drawn-out battle with her ex through the court system. 

After a discussion with the lawyer and their team to agree our strategy, we put together a detailed brief for the requirements of the wife’s new home. To maintain her current lifestyle, she needed a modern, two-bed apartment within a serviced block that included a concierge. Location was a top priority for the client; she wanted to live in Marylebone area to remain in close proximity to her support network.

With the brief in place, we began to conduct the complete market search. We engaged with every estate agent within the search area (43 in total) to identify all properties matching the client’s requirements. Our search resulted in 36 properties and from these results, we were able to conduct a full price analysis to determine the average price per square foot for properties matching her specifications, in the search area. 

By combining our rationale for the new home specifications, with our price analysis of the local property market and a shortlist of the top five properties matching her requirements, the report presented our evidence-led recommendation of a suitable budget for the client to be re-housed with.  

The client was empowered by knowing she had the strongest possible housing needs case going into her final hearing, and the report helped facilitate the Judge’s decision-making process by presenting facts and delivering market data to back up the findings. 

With the use of the report, a fair settlement was eventually reached, with both parties feeling relieved to have settled, enabling each of them to move on from their separation. Because of the part we played in her divorce team, the client mandated us for the actual search and acquisition of her new home, post settlement. We conducted a new market search and managed to find, negotiate and secure a stunning apartment in the heart of Marylebone, which our client moved into recently. A new nest where she feels safe to rebuild her life.  

To discuss an upcoming case, call Tamsin on +44 7543 253765 or email tamsin@galleonpropertysearch.com