Book excerpt: This book contains a collection of peer reviewed papers presented at the ninth biennial Modern Studies in Property Law conference held at the University of Southampton in March 2012. It is the 7th volume to be published under the name of the conference. The conference and its published proceedings have become an established forum for property lawyers from around the world to showcase current research in the discipline. This collection reflects both the breadth of modern research in property law and its international dimensions. Incorporating a keynote address by Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, on 'The Saga of Strasbourg and Social Housing,' a number of chapters reveal the bourgeoning influence of human rights in property law. Other contributions illustrate an enduring need to question and explore fundamental concepts of the subject alongside new and emerging areas of study. Collectively the chapters demonstrate the importance and relevance of property research in addressing a wide range of contemporary issues.