When property investments go wrong
Thousands of investors have lost money in developments marketed as hotel rooms, care homes, office spaces or student accommodation.
These schemes often promise high returns, rental guarantees or buy-back options, but many are unregulated and high risk. In reality, investors’ money is often pooled to fund developments or pay early returns and when those schemes collapse, investors are left out of pocket.
Solicitors play a vital role in protecting investors from high risk or unlawful schemes. They are expected to spot when an investment is unsafe and give clear warnings to their clients. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has repeatedly cautioned solicitors about the risks associated with property and UCIS investments.
Where a solicitor fails to recognise these risks, warn their client, or act in their best interests, they may be negligent. We represent groups of investors bringing collective professional negligence claims to recover the losses they have suffered.
Not sure whether your solicitor may have been negligent? Find out what warning signs to look for in our FAQs below.
What is a UCIS?
A UCIS is a type of pooled investment scheme where investors’ money is combined to fund projects such as a property development. These schemes are not authorised or recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), meaning they do not carry the same safeguards or regulatory protections as standard investments.
Because of this, UCIS are high risk. They are complex and often mis-sold to inexperienced investors looking for secure returns, which can lead to devastating financial losses.
The FCA has confirmed that a UCIS cannot be promoted to the general public and should only be marketed to certified high-net-worth or sophisticated investors.
Despite these restrictions, many ordinary investors have been drawn into UCIS without proper advice or warnings. When a solicitor is involved in one of these transactions and fails to explain the risks, confirm investor eligibility, or withdraw from acting, it may amount to professional negligence.
Our collective action approach
We represent investors who, like many others, were advised by the same solicitors involved in failed property and UCIS investments.
We typically act for investors who have lost between £30,000 and £120,000. Where possible, we seek recovery through the solicitor’s professional indemnity insurer, which may be responsible for covering negligent advice.
By combining claims, we:
- Share resources – pooling evidence, expert opinions and documentation.
- Reduce costs – spreading legal and investigative expenses.
- Strengthen leverage – presenting a coordinated case against negligent solicitors.
- Deliver consistency – ensuring fair outcomes for all claimants.
Our approach ensures that investors benefit from both scale and focus.
Think your solicitor might have been negligent? Contact our Financial Mis-Selling Team for a free review of your case.