UK Rights to Light Webinar

Overview

The right to light in the UK is a well-established legal principle that grants property owners the entitlement to receive natural light through defined openings, such as windows, from across neighbouring land. RICS defines the right to light as a form of easement, where if a property has enjoyed uninterrupted access to light for 20 years, the owner may have the legal right to prevent any obstruction that could significantly diminish that light. This right is particularly significant in urban areas where new developments might impede the natural light available to existing properties, potentially affecting their usability and value.

What’s important to note is that RICS has recently published the 3rd edition of the Rights of Light (RoL) Professional Standard which has been in effect since June 1st, 2024. Key features include updated case law examples, a revised legal RoL protocol, and guidance on the RoL RICS membership route. Recommendations for methods of assessing the RoL and compensation issues are also covered at length, which experts in the field should be aware of and will be discussed.

This is a must attend webinar as surveyors play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of this law and need to always ensure that developments proceed smoothly while safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved.

Learning outcomes