[2025] EWHC 2997 (Fam)

The husband proposes properties for the wife and children in Area B and Area A, close to PL College. He envisages he will rent. The wife has proposed properties for herself in Area C and Area D. She too envisages the husband will rent. Her properties are larger that the husband has proposed. Before stamp duty the wife’s suggested property cost about £2.5 million (though she has one more expensive) and the husband’s about £1.5 million (though he has some cheaper).

It is clear that the husband’s particulars are more conveniently located than the wife’s bearing in mind the elder child’s school and the primary school suggested for the younger two.

It is also clear that the husband’s particulars are less attractive that the wife’s and tighter on space both internally and in the garden.

Bearing in mind the level of resources on the husband’s side (albeit illiquid), the purchase of Property A for £1.9 million with the intention of developing it and making it into a matrimonial home, and noting the cost of the redevelopment that has taken place (some £2.5 million), and reflecting on the husband’s level of income, I do conclude that the husband’s particulars are on the tight side. On the other hand it does strike me that by opting for Ealing and Acton the wife would be paying more than buying nearer PL College.

I conclude that about £2 million would meet her housing needs. Stamp duty on that would be another £153,000 and there will be moving costs, so I would allow £2.2 million for the cost of her accommodation.