Yaxley v Gotts [2000] Ch 162 is an English legal case. The case deals with whether section 2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 which requires that contracts be in writing prevents an oral contract from taking effect where otherwise an interest would arise by proprietary estoppel.[1]
Yaxley was a self-employed builder who attempted to persuade Gotts to lend him money for the purchase of a building. Gotts instead bought the building but agreed Yaxley could have the bottom floor in return for renovating the other flats and managing the building. Gotts failed to convey the title deeds in the name of Yaxley. When the two fell out Yaxley brought legal proceedings.