Murphy v Brentwood District Council [1991]

Facts

• Murphy had to sell his house at a significant loss, as Brentwood District Council had failed to inspect the house’s foundations
• Murphy sought to recover the cost from Brentwood District Council

Issue

• Could Murphy recover for his economic loss?

Decision

• No recovery, pure economic loss

Reasoning

• No liability in the absence of physical injury
• Overruled Anns v Merton London Borough Council [1978]

Citation

[1991] 1 AC 398