Seven years after the Court of Appeal’s decision in Dreamvar, property fraud remains a significant risk. In the year to March 2024, HM Land Registry stopped 97 cases of registered title fraud involving properties worth £58 million. Yet in many instances, funds are lost before the fraud is identified, leading to litigation over who should bear the loss.

Dreamvar clarified key legal principles, but its application continues to generate disputes. Other forms of fraud, including authorised push payment scams and failed property-based investment schemes, also contribute to growing litigation in this area.

Peter Dodge, who acted in Dreamvar, continues to be instructed in numerous matters of this type. Our forthcoming webinar will consider recent developments and is aimed at litigators, risk professionals and conveyancing specialists.