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Marcus is a real estate litigator focusing on strategic advice and commercial outcomes recognised as a leader in real estate litigation by Chambers and in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame”. 

He is one of a small number of solicitors specialising in Business Rates advising on high value complex appeals working with the top rating surveyors and counsel.    

He is also one of the leading rent review specialists in the country working frequently with the large surveying practices on substantial rent reviews. Marcus is a member of Arbrix and has been a guest speaker both there and at Index. Marcus has also delivered a Blundell memorial lecture.

Marcus is a member of the Property Litigation Association and an accredited CEDR Mediator.

Marcus has advised on numerous high value disputes concerning business rates, dilapidations, break clauses, professional negligence, landlord and tenant and development agreements as well as many large central London rent review arbitrations.

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Marcus Barclay has unrivalled expertise in valuation disputes. He is thorough, thoughtful and very easy to work with."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "Marcus Barclay is recognised for his expertise in contentious real estate matters including rent review cases. "Marcus has a sound commercial instinct and can be relied upon to give the client carefully positioned advice to ensure the right resources are deployed in each case," sources report."
    Chambers 2017
  • Quote
    "He is very good - very considered and strategic."
    Chambers 2015

Relevant experience

  • Eurotunnel on appealing against its 2026 valuation for business rates.
  • An oil terminal on complex 1954 Act proceedings to renew its tenancy.  
  • A multinational consultancy organisation on its strategy to minimise its exit costs for relocating from 4 central London properties.
  • A Jersey registered property company on a multi-million pound dispute as to its entitlement under a profit sharing agreement.
  • Canary Wharf on a substantial rent review arbitration.
  • A top end retail occupier on contested lease renewal proceedings.

Reported cases include:

  • Ropemaker Properties v Noonhaven (1989) 2 EGLR 50.
  • Ivory Gate v Spetale CA 2 EGLR.
  • Tindall Cobham 1 Ltd v Adda Hotels CA [2014].
  • British Overseas Bank Nominees Ltd v Analytical Properties Ltd CA [2015] EWCA 43.
  • Capital Park Leeds v Global Radio Services [2021] ECWA Civ 995.

Memberships & Roles

  • Property Litigation Association
  • ARBRIX
  • IRRV
  • CEDR Mediator

Education

  • 1984 -  LLB, Warwick University

Insights by Marcus

Rateable value and Cat B fitouts: Upper Tribunal says cost can equal value

24 Jul 2025 5 min read

The High Court rules on rates mitigation scheme

28 May 2025 4 min read

Refurbishment or repair? Should the rateable value for a building undergoing refurbishment be reduced to £1 whilst works are ongoing?

07 Apr 2025 5 min read

"It Never Rains..." : Repair & Reality in the Upper Tribunal, Carey Group PLC v Ricketts (Valuation Officer) [2024] UKUT 356 (LC)

02 Dec 2024 4 min read
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