In Southwell v Blackburn, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal against a successful proprietary estoppel claim, where a cohabitee was awarded £28,500 representing a slice of equity in the property where the couple had lived.
This case is significant as it warns clients of the potential liability they could face if their relationship with a cohabitee breaks down, even if the property they are both living in is purchased in their sole name and the other party has not made any significant contribution to the purchase price or outgoings.