Glenn Hotchin, PLG Consultants
We get frequent requests for learning sessions from solicitors and case managers. And they’re very welcome, we really enjoy delivering them. When we do them, there’s usually a high level of interest in the process we follow. Our clients want to know what we do and, more importantly, how we go about it.
But how we go about doing what we do is an interesting question. The complexity of matters related to property for people that have suffered catastrophic injury fall far and wide. Clients and stakeholders are often thrust into the unknown. Finding and adapting homes sounds simple, but the reality is, you’re dealing with all manner of different situations that don’t necessarily align with a linear approach that we might all want to follow.
Like any business that’s been around for a while, we’d like to think our processes account for many of the complexities you might encounter along the way. We’ve fielded a lot of curveballs in our time. But, we’re dealing with people in high pressure situations, so these learning sessions always turn into a discussion about troubleshooting the items that are perhaps less frequently encountered but still crop up.
I’ve talked about sales and advocacy previously and the importance of those skill sets in effectively managing the property process. But it’s how you deal with a situation when there isn’t a definitive answer that’s important. And it’s surprising how often these can crop up. I was going to make a reference to fifty shades of grey here! Subject matter aside, that’s exactly what it can feel like when you’re dealing with property. It’s not simply black and white.
My starting point for this is always the same though. Property transactions and development are hugely emotive, for anyone, but exponentially so when you overlay catastrophic injury. It is also the case that other parties will have emotional vested interest, and this can create a shifting landscape.
So, the below isn’t a definitive list by any means, but a selection of the types of scenarios or queries that have been raised by teams in recent times that are often considered the curveball scenarios that crop up along the way:
- Landlord disputes such as end of tenancy condition reports and deposit release.
- Evictions
- Vendor Management in convoluted chains
- Pre-purchase due diligence (from standard surveys to water damaged deeds, undefined subsidence concerns and everything in-between)
- Transaction management for all stakeholders – how to handle high emotions
- Managing empty properties where they might be vacant prior to works starting
- Insurance considerations, like how do you manage insurance compliance
- Planning situations, like party wall disputes
- Environmental and ecological considerations – we’ve just discovered bats
- How to select the right contractor – how to mitigate risk through the process
- Workmanship concerns
- Contract dispute
- Contractor administration/liquidation
- Post defect resolution, what’s reasonable over what timeframe
- Asset disposal or investment property management
These all sit in the orbit of property interests that clients might face in the process of finding and buying a house (along with 100’s of others). There is never a ‘one hat fits all’ to finding solutions. Often, a scenario has to be judged on its own merits. But the important thing is that there has to be a solution, and a considered one that makes sure the client’s best interests are protected, whilst ensuring resolution. To coin a phrase I regularly use, it’s not an exact science, but by working as a team, delving into our library of experience and applying best practice (with a massive dollop of pragmatism), we can guarantee that answers will be found.
Being ready and prepared to deal with anything that can come your way in the process is crucial, because at some point when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll see something else. Whether that’s having a Deputy on either side of a transaction with differing views on how to execute, or a difficult neighbour who wants to lay obstacles at every step of a build – an answer has to be forthcoming. Strong communication along with an understanding of what can be done means even the most difficult hurdles can be overcome. A key part of this is collaboration and joined up thinking as a professional team, as well as sharing knowledge and experience.
Like I said, we enjoy delivering learning sessions for client teams that look after families in these situations. We tackle the common and not so common head scratchers that arise along the way. So, whether you are someone I’ve worked with for years, or this is the first time interacting, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop me a line. I’m always happy to share thoughts, knowledge or experiences with you and your colleagues.
Glenn Hotchin
31t July 2025
