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High Court Says WhatsApp Text Was Not a Property Transfer, Cuts Artist’s Move-Out Deadline to 2027

The judge held that a message header on WhatsApp does not amount to a signature required for disposing of an interest in land.

Hsiao Mei-Lin presented messages from Audun Mar Gudmundsson that stated he would transfer ownership of the property in Tufnell Park, north London
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Overview

  • Mr Justice Cawson dismissed Hsiao Mei-Lin’s claim that her ex-husband’s messages transferred his share of their Tufnell Park home.
  • He ordered her to vacate the property by 31 July 2027, shortening an earlier timeline that had extended to 2032.
  • The court found the exchanges did not show Audun Gudmundsson intended to unequivocally and immediately relinquish his interest.
  • The judge likened the WhatsApp sender header to an email address inserted by a service provider, which cannot function as a signature.
  • Trustees of Gudmundsson’s bankruptcy maintain control over his 50% stake following a 2024 ruling that placed that share in the estate.