Rights of Light Insights
Practical explanations of the legal principles, tactics, and valuations that shape rights of light claims in England and Wales — for property owners who want to understand the landscape before deciding what to do.
These insights are for general educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Every rights of light case turns on its specific facts. Always obtain specialist professional advice before taking or refraining from any action.
How Rights of Light Apply to Conservatories, Extensions and Outbuildings
By Stephen Buchanan · 25 September 2026
Most people think about rights of light in the context of large developments. Tower blocks, office buildings, major construction projects. But some of the most common disputes actually happen between neighbours, and they often involve relatively modest structures like conservatories, garden rooms, o…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832, s.3; Carr-Saunders v Dick McNeil Associates Ltd [1986] 1 WLR 922
Read more →How New Insurance-Backed Indemnity Policies Work in Rights of Light
By Neil Goddard · 22 September 2026
When a developer builds near your property and blocks some of your natural light, you might assume you will deal directly with the developer if things go wrong. But increasingly, developers take out insurance policies before they start construction, and these policies can shape the entire claim proc…
Ref: Shelfer v City of London Electric Lighting Co [1895] 1 Ch 287; Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13; Prescription Act 1832
Read more →How New Buildings Affect Your Existing Right of Light
By Stephen Buchanan · 19 September 2026
When a new building goes up near your property, the impact on your daylight can be dramatic. But at what point does a new development actually cross the line from being an annoyance into a legal infringement of your right of light? This is one of the most common questions property owners ask, and th…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832; Colls v Home and Colonial Stores Ltd [1904] AC 179; Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13
Read more →How New Build Properties and Developments Acquire Rights of Light
By Daniel Peddlestone · 16 September 2026
Most people associate rights of light with older buildings, Victorian terraces, and period homes with tall sash windows. But what about newer properties? Can a house built ten years ago have a right of light? And what about a brand new development that has only just been completed? These are surpris…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832, Section 3
Read more →How Rights of Light Apply to New Build Properties and Modern Developments
By Margaret Shields · 13 September 2026
Most people associate rights of light with period terraces and Victorian townhouses. But what about new build properties? If you have recently bought a newly built home or flat, you might assume these older legal principles do not apply to you. That assumption could cost you. Rights of light are no…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832, Section 3; Rights of Light Act 1959
Read more →How Insurance Policies Influence Rights of Light Outcomes
By Neil Goddard · 10 September 2026
Most people first hear about rights of light insurance when a developer mentions it in a letter or when their solicitor raises it during a property transaction. But rights of light insurance is a topic that touches both sides of a dispute, and understanding how these policies actually work can make …
Ref: Prescription Act 1832; Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13 (on remedies and damages principles)
Read more →How Insurance Policies Affect Developer Decisions on Rights of Light
By Stephen Buchanan · 7 September 2026
When a developer plans a new building that could block light to neighbouring properties, one of the biggest behind-the-scenes decisions involves insurance. Rights of light insurance is a specialist product that developers frequently rely on to manage the financial risk of claims. But how does this i…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832; Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13
Read more →How Insurance Policies Affect Rights of Light Risk for Developers
By Daniel Peddlestone · 4 September 2026
Most people who look into rights of light claims eventually stumble across the topic of insurance. But there is a related and often overlooked question that sits at the heart of many modern developments: how do developers actually manage the financial risk of rights of light before they even break g…
Ref: Prescription Act 1832; Coventry v Lawrence [2014] UKSC 13
Read more →