Couple Awarded Millions After Severe Moth Infestation in £32.5M London Villa

A London court ruled the property seller misrepresented the home's condition, leading to a partial refund and damages for the buyers.

Iya Patarkatsishvili and Yevhen Hunyak purchased the £32.5 million Notting Hill villa in May 2019, only to discover a severe moth infestation shortly after moving in.
The infestation caused significant damage to clothing, furniture, and wine, with the couple reportedly killing up to 100 moths daily during peak infestation periods.
The court found that the seller, William Woodward-Fisher, failed to disclose the infestation despite being aware it would deter the sale.
The judge ordered the seller to refund most of the purchase price, deducting £6 million for the couple's use of the property, and pay £4 million in additional damages.
The infestation was traced to the home's insulation, requiring extensive and prolonged remediation efforts.