Property Law Q&A - Direct Access to a Property Barrister

Property Law Q&A: Direct Access to a Property Barrister

Property disputes can be stressful, costly, and time-consuming if not handled properly. Whether you’re a homeowner, leaseholder, landlord, or developer, having the right legal expertise can make all the difference.

In this Q&A blog, I answer common questions about property law issues — and explain how direct access to a property barrister works in practice.

What Is a Property Barrister?

A property barrister is a lawyer who specialises in disputes and issues relating to land and buildings. We deal with matters such as landlord and tenant disputes, lease extensions, boundary disputes, easements, restrictive covenants, and planning law.

Our role is to provide specialist legal advice and court representation, helping clients understand their rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

What Does “Direct Access” to a Barrister Mean?

Traditionally, you had to go through a solicitor before you could work with a barrister. However, under the Direct Access Scheme (also known as the Public Access Scheme), clients can now instruct a barrister directly without using a solicitor.

Benefits of choosing a direct access property barrister include:

• Saving money on legal costs by avoiding solicitor fees.

• Working directly with the specialist who will be advising and representing you.

• Faster advice with no “middle layer” of communication.

What Property Disputes Can I Bring Directly to a Barrister?

Direct access works particularly well for:

• Landlord and tenant disputes – rent arrears, eviction, service charge disagreements, or repair obligations. If you need a landlord and tenant disputes barrister, direct access can give you quick, targeted advice.

• Leasehold matters – lease extensions, freehold purchase (enfranchisement), and disputes with managing agents. Many clients search for lease extension legal advice at this stage.

• Boundary disputes – disagreements with neighbours over fences, hedges, or rights of way.

• Easements and covenants – rights of access, rights of light, or restrictions on land use.

• Planning and development issues – appeals and enforcement action.

If you’re unsure whether your case is suitable, an initial review can confirm whether direct access to a property barrister is appropriate.

How Does the Direct Access Process Work?

1. Initial enquiry – You send an outline of your case along with key documents (leases, title deeds, correspondence, or court papers).

2. Assessment – We confirm whether your case is suitable for direct access.

3. Advice – Our barristers can provide written advice, a consultation, or represent you in negotiations or hearings.

4. Representation – If your matter goes to court or tribunal, we prepare your case and advocate on your behalf.

With direct access, you stay in control of your case and your costs at all times.

How Much Does It Cost to Instruct a Barrister Directly?

One of the main advantages of direct access is clear, upfront pricing. A barrister often works on a fixed-fee basis for specific pieces of work, such as:

• Providing a written legal opinion.

• Attending a court or tribunal hearing.

• Drafting legal documents such as pleadings or skeleton arguments.

For more complex cases, fees may be agreed in stages to keep costs manageable and transparent.

Is Direct Access Suitable for Urgent Property Disputes?

Yes. Many clients choose a direct access property barrister when they face urgent hearings or deadlines — for example, possession claims, injunctions, or planning enforcement actions. Because there is no solicitor acting as a go-between, advice can often be delivered within 24–48 hours.

Why Instruct a Barrister Instead of a Solicitor?

Solicitors are excellent at case management, paperwork, and correspondence. Barristers, however, specialise in:

• Expert legal analysis – focusing on complex property law issues.

• Advocacy – representing you persuasively in court or tribunals.

• Clear, practical advice – explaining the strengths and weaknesses of your case in plain English.

For many people searching for a landlord and tenant disputes barrister or looking for lease extension legal advice, going straight to a barrister makes financial and practical sense.

Do I Always Need a Solicitor as Well?

Not always. Some cases require a solicitor for ongoing case management, particularly where there is extensive paperwork or disclosure. However, for many property disputes — lease extensions, enfranchisement, boundary disputes, or landlord and tenant hearings — direct access to a barrister is perfectly suitable.

How Quickly Can I Get Advice?

In many cases, I can provide initial advice within a few days. For urgent matters, turnaround can be within 24–48 hours, provided all documents are available.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Direct Access to a Property Barrister?

Property disputes often involve high-value assets and emotionally charged issues. Getting the right advice early can save time, money, and stress. By instructing a barrister directly, you cut out unnecessary steps and work with a specialist who can provide clear, practical solutions and strong representation if your case goes to court.

If you need lease extension legal advice, assistance with landlord and tenant disputes, or representation from a direct access property barrister, taking the direct access route could be the most effective way forward.