August 28, 2025
Farley v. Skinner [2001] UKHL 49 (11 October 2001)
A prospective home buyer specifically asked his surveyor to investigate aircraft noise. The surveyor's negligent report caused the buyer distress and loss of amenity after purchase. The House of Lords awarded damages for this non-pecuniary loss, establishing that this is possible where peace of mind is a major, not necessarily sole, object of the contract. Facts Mr Farley, who was approaching retirement, was seeking to purchase a substantial country residence for quiet enjoyment. He became interested in a property known as ‘The Grange’ in Sussex but was concerned about the potential for aircraft noise, as it was located 15 miles
