Wandsworth Woman Hit With Massive Legal Bill After Row With Builder

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Chloe Thomas has to pay costs and share of profits to former boyfriend

A builder who renovated a Wandsworth Common flat with his ex-girlfriend has been awarded a third of the profits, amounting to almost £50,000. Meanwhile his former partner now has to pay the costs arising from their legal dispute which will leave her with total bill of £200,000.

The disputed flat was in this house on Trinity Road. Picture: Google Street View

According a report in The Daily Telegraph, Gareth Powell, 31, refurbished the flat on Trinity Road which his then girlfriend, 28-year-old Chloe Thomas, had bought from her own funds in 2012. Mr Powell says that he borrowed £14,000 from his parents to help pay for renovations. The Central London County Courtwas told that the couple agreed to divide the profits if they broke up.

When the couple split in 2014, Ms Thomas remained in the flat and claimed she was the sole owner. The flat was bought for £315,000 and is now valued at around £445,000.

Ms Thomas denied in court that she agreed to the proposed arrangement with Mr Powell.

The Judge concluded Ms Thomas had been offered a £35,000 settlement last year, but having turned that down is now faced with a total bill of £200,000 to cover the £50,000 share for Mr Powell and legal costs.