Equity & Trusts — FE-1 practice

Susan agrees orally to hold her cottage in trust for her brother David. She does not put anything in writing. David spends €40,000 renovating the cottage in reliance on Susan's promise. Advise David on (a) the validity of the express trust; (b) whether a constructive trust or proprietary estoppel can arise. Refer to *Boyle v Lee and Goyns* [1992] 1 IR 555 and *Re Basham* [1986] 1 WLR 1498.