John Waiting

Call 2010

waiting@exchangechambers.co.uk

“John is an exceptional barrister with impressive knowledge of property, trusts and probate litigation. His technical brilliance is unparalleled which sets him apart as one of the best on the Northern Circuit. John has an innate ability to navigate complex probate matters with ease.”

The Legal 500, 2026
Photo of John Waiting

  • Recommendations

    “John is technically excellent and very thorough. His advice is directly to the point and he really takes the time to work through issues collaboratively with the client and instructing solicitor.”

    “John is very hard-working, supportive, and responsive, with in-depth legal knowledge.”

    “John is an exceptional barrister with impressive knowledge of property, trusts and probate litigation. His technical brilliance is unparalleled which sets him apart as one of the best on the Northern Circuit. John has an innate ability to navigate complex probate matters with ease.”
    The Legal 500, 2026

    “John Waiting is excellent. He provided sound commercial advice to a client in a difficult situation, managing all expectations.”

    “John is really down to earth and a quick thinker. I’ve found him really easy to deal with. He’s responsive, easy to deal with and gets it. He has that kind of commercial nous that isn’t taught.”

    “John is so easy to work with. He’s very responsive, unfailingly helpful and has a really good manner with lay clients. He can take them through a frightening maze of legalese and make it make sense.”

    “John Waiting is a go to barrister for us. We instruct him on a wide range of contentious probate matters. He is straight-talking and his advocacy is brilliant.”
    Chambers & Partners 2026

    “John is very eloquent in his approach to matters, always making sure that he articulates himself depending on which judge he is before. He also has a very good knowledge of the judges in Manchester and Leeds, which is a big help when deciding what tactics to deploy.”

    “John really knows his stuff. He has a clean and straightforward advocacy style which appeals to judges.”
    The Legal 500, 2025

    “John is a strong advocate and is meticulous in his preparation. His knowledge base is impressive, and he quickly understands his client’s objectives and adapts his strategy accordingly.”

    “John has the ability to analyse and quickly assess large volumes of detail, identifying the strengths of and threats to the case. He builds rapport with lay clients and puts them at ease.”
    Chambers and Partners 2025

    “John is supportive, responsive and has an in-depth legal knowledge which enables him to be able to assist on all matters. He will not give up even if it is an uphill struggle. He always ensures that he gives 110% and really puts himself out to ensure that he meets the client service and is very user friendly.”
    The Legal 500, 2023

    “John gives well-considered, thorough advice and considers strategic issues when advising. He is a measured and confident advocate.”
    The Legal 500, 2022

  • Education

    • St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington, 1997-2004
    • MA (Cantab), Law with Management Studies, Girton College, Cambridge (II.i, 2004-2008)
    • BVC, Manchester Metropolitan University (Very Competent, 2009-2010)
    • Pupillage at Exchange Chambers

  • Memberships

    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Property Bar Association
    • Northern Business and Property Bar Association
    • Northern Circuit

  • News

Property and Planning

John acts in property cases including disputes between co-owners, disputes between landlords and tenants whether residential or commercial including disputes under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, disputes between neighbours and disputes concerning mortgages.

He has an extensive property practice, including:

  • Land Registration
  • Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 claims
  • Claims in relation to Adverse Possession
  • Easement disputes
  • Possession Actions by Mortgagees, LPA Receivers and Landlords
  • Leasehold Disrepair and Dilapidations
  • Leasehold Enfranchisement
  • Actions for Service Charges and Administration Charges
  • Actions for unlawful eviction
  • Liability Orders for Business Rates and Council Tax
  • Boundary and Neighbour Disputes
  • Business Tenancy Disputes
  • Disclaimed Property and Bona Vacantia
  • Property matters where there is an insolvency element.
  • Property matters where a party has died.

Property & Planning Cases

Acted in an 8-day trial concerning residential rights of way and parking rights, and successfully defended an appeal against the decision after trial, and drafted written reasons why permission should not be given for a second appeal to the Court of Appeal, where permission was duty refused on paper.

Succeeded after a four-day trial in a claim for an injunction to remove a fence obstructing a right of way, and defended a counterclaim for an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Appeared on the application for permission to appeal which was dismissed.

Regularly acts for Local Authorities in relation to Applications in relation to Liability Orders for non-payment of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates. Successfully appeared for Blackpool Council in Oyston v Blackpool Council [2024] EWHC 1224 (Admin).

Advised Liverpool City Council in relation to bringing back into Council ownership properties which had been leased to a developer with obligations to develop the properties, where the developer had to failed to so develop the properties.

Regularly advises and represents parties to trial (if necessary) in relation to neighbour disputes and represents parties in mediations and joint settlement meetings.

Succeeded in forfeiture proceedings of commercial property for breach of the repairing covenants.

Obtained possession of a property held under a shared-ownership lease for failure to pay the rent.

Defended a claim at trial for an injunction and damages to repair a roof in relation to a property split into flying freeholds.

Regularly acts for both Landlords and Tenants in claims under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Regularly in the Property Chamber Land Registration Division First Tier Tribunal on a disputes including adverse possession, registrations of entries arising from trusts and easements for example.

Appeared on an application for a Vesting Order of property which was bona vacantia.

Acted for a tenants and management companies in the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) in disputes over service charges and administration charges, and cases which are affected by the Building Safety Act 2022.

Experienced in advising upon disputes regarding easements, whether express or arising from prescription or other circumstances.

Represented LPA receivers in a complex possession matter concerning a mixed-use property and tenants with various different potential defences to the proceedings, providing advice, pleading of proceedings and advocacy in a claim which succeeded in obtaining vacant possession of the property.

Advises upon, drafted and appears in Part 8 Proceedings for an Order under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Obtained Summary Judgment for a landlord for unpaid rent, where the defence raised by the tenant was that a break clause had been exercised.

Obtained a Possession Order against trespassers at the first hearing where the trespassers raised a Human Rights defence.

Advised a client who successfully challenged a Noise Abatement Notice.

Represented a charge holder and successfully defeated the defence of a third party who stated that the transfer of the property to the borrower was obtained by fraud.