Portner

  The High Court has ruled in favour of buyers who sought rescission and damages for fraudulent misrepresentation in their purchase of a £32.5m million mansion in Notting Hill. Partner Daniel Broughton examines the decision in Patarkatsishvili and another v Woodward-Fisher [2025] EWHC 265 (Ch), which underscores the vital importance of giving honest disclosures to enquiries in property transactions.​ Background Iya Patarkatsishvili and her husband, Dr Yevhen Hunyak, purchased Horbury Villa, a Victorian mansion in Notting Hill, from developer Mr William Woodward-Fisher for £32.5m in May 2019. Shortly after moving in, they discovered a severe infestation of clothes moths that had not been apparent during pre-contract inspections. Investigations revealed that the infestation originated from woollen insulation installed during renovations between 2012 and 2013. Pre-contract enquiries and misrepresentations Before the sale, Mr Woodward-Fisher responded to standard pre-contra...