In a landmark ruling, a wealthy couple has been granted a substantial refund after purchasing a luxurious Notting Hill residence plagued by a severe moth infestation. The High Court determined that the seller had failed to disclose critical information about the property's condition, leading to significant inconvenience and financial loss for the buyers. This case highlights the importance of transparency in high-value real estate transactions and serves as a cautionary tale for both buyers and sellers.

The saga began when Iya Patarkatsishvili and her husband Yevhen Hunyak acquired Horbury Villa, an expansive mansion located in west London's prestigious Notting Hill area, in May 2019. Shortly after moving in, they encountered an unexpected and distressing problem: their new home was teeming with moths. These pests were not only a nuisance but also caused damage to personal belongings, including clothing and household items. The infestation was so severe that it required extensive pest control measures and costly repairs to address the root cause hidden within the ceiling insulation.

Patarkatsishvili, whose father was once one of Georgia’s wealthiest individuals, and Hunyak quickly realized that the extent of the moth problem had been concealed from them. They accused the seller, William Woodward-Fisher, a property developer, of deliberately withholding this crucial information. Woodward-Fisher claimed he was advised that moths did not qualify as vermin and thus were not relevant to the sale process. However, the court found this argument unconvincing and ruled in favor of the buyers.

The High Court judge ordered Woodward-Fisher to refund a significant portion of the purchase price, which was initially set at £32.5 million (approximately $40 million). In addition to the refund, the couple received compensation for various expenses incurred due to the infestation, including £4 million in damages. This sum included reimbursement for damaged clothes and the stamp duty paid on the property. The ruling also emphasized the need for honesty in real estate dealings, particularly in high-profile transactions involving luxury properties.

The verdict sends a strong message to the real estate industry, underscoring the importance of full disclosure and integrity in property sales. It serves as a reminder that even in multimillion-dollar deals, every detail matters. For Patarkatsishvili and Hunyak, the resolution brings closure to a challenging chapter and reinforces their commitment to holding developers accountable for the quality and truthfulness of their offerings.