West End law firm Manches is facing a negligence claim in excess of £700,000 from a former client over advice it gave on the purchase of a residential property.

The firm's Oxford office has been issued with the claim for losses from the purchase of a million-pound property in Berkshire by client Michael O'Shea.

O'Shea claims Manches gave negligent advice. He was expecting to buy the property, valued on the open market at around £1.1m-£1.2m, for £500,000. However, O'Shea alleges that Manches failed to inform him of a charge on the property relating to a mortgage, which resulted in him having to pay £873,700.

The claim, which has been assigned to the Chancery Division of the High Court, was issued on 23 June. O'Shea is seeking compensation for damages, costs and interest.

Manches, which is representing itself against the claim through litigation partner Clive Zietman, said it is vigorously contesting the claim.

O'Shea is being represented by Paul Northwood, a partner at Oxford-based law firm Northwood Reid.

The news comes as a separate claim brought against Manches for around £100,000 was dropped at the end of June.

Former client Reina May sued Manches for breach of retainer and negligence in relation to advice the firm gave her during her divorce.