Promises By WhatsApp – Are They Legally Binding?

The High Court in Reid-Roberts & Anor v Mei-Lin & Anor [2026] EWHC 49 (Ch) recently examined whether WhatsApp messages and emails effected an immediate disposition of a beneficial interest in land, and whether WhatsApp messages can satisfy the particular statutory requirements under section 53(1) of the Law of Property Act 1925. The court held that the exchanges did not effect an immediate disposition and that WhatsApp headers did not amount to a signature for the purposes of section 53(1). Beyond the specific requirements of statute however, the courts have readily acknowledged that WhatsApp messages can easily create binding contractual obligations between parties.

Reid-Roberts in summary