Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that property house prices in the Northwest of England rose by 3.4 per cent in the year to May.
Inheritance tax rules – time for a change?
A review of inheritance tax (IHT) rules has led to recommendations that the Government make it simpler for people to pass wealth on to future generations.
Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Commercial Landlords and Tenants
The case of S Frances Ltd v The Cavendish Hotel has important implications for commercial landlords who wish to terminate a tenant’s lease.
National policy introduced to ease the housing crisis
In July 2018, the government published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework, known more commonly as the NPPF2. Its aim is to encourage local authorities to build more affordable housing, in the hope of easing the housing crisis. In fact, the goal is to supply 300,000 homes each year by the mid-2020s.
Commonhold Consultation – An Effective Alternative to Leasehold?
The Law Commission is currently analysing responses to a consultation on commonhold. Their report is due to be published later this year. The aim is to reform commonhold laws, making it a preferred alternative to leaseholds.
Updates to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard
On 1 April 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations came into force. Since then, a landlord has been unable to grant or renew a lease, if their property has an EPC rating of F or G. These properties are known as ‘substandard’. From 1 April 2020, a landlord cannot continue to rent a substandard property.
Deposit Cap and Tenancy Fee Ban introduced from 1st June 2019
Tenant Fees Act comes into force on 1st June 2019 affecting all Landlords in the private rental sector in England.
More rent deposit disputes are resolved early
The number of rent deposit disputes between landlords and tenants that are being resolved before they reach the final adjudication process has increased, according to a report by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Predicted rental increases as landlords plan to sell up
A survey carried out by the Residential Landlord’s Association (RLA) has revealed that more than one in four landlords will sell at least one of their properties over the next year. This exodus from the buy-to-let sector is thought to be fuelled by rising property prices coupled with unfavourable legislation, encouraging landlords to cash in on their gains.
High Courts burdened with DIY Will disasters
The number of inheritance disputes reaching the High Courts has jumped 62% in two years.
Record inheritance tax receipts for the treasury
The taxman enjoyed a record £5.4 billion of inheritance tax receipts in the last financial year: an increase of 3.1% on the previous year. Insurer Canada Life predicts this figure will grow to £10 billion by 2030 as a result of the stagnant nil-rate band which isn’t keeping pace with inflation. Whilst the £325,000 allowance […]
More leaseholders may get the ‘right to manage’
MA consultation launched by the Law Commission in December has considered how ‘right to manage’ legislation can be made quicker, simpler and more accessible for leasehold property owners. The Commission proposed various reforms to current legislation and is now considering responses to the consultation questions raised. Historically, buildings consisting of many leasehold properties would be […]
Greater protection for tenants with the end of no-fault evictions
Greater protection for tenants with the end of no-fault evictions The Government has announced plans to scrap ‘no fault’ evictions with a new open-ended rental system envisaged. Such a system could mirror that introduced in Scotland two years ago and systems already operating in other European countries. Currently most renters take an Assured Shorthold Tenancy […]
What is an Executor Responsible For?
An Executor is responsible for applying for a Grant of Probate and administering a deceased person’s estate.
When is a Probate Solicitor Needed?
When Probate is needed on a deceased person’s estate, the Executors or Administrators often use a Probate solicitor. If you are going through the Probate process, there is no obligation to use a Probate solicitor. However, it removes a significant responsibility from your shoulders. To speak to a Probate solicitor, contact us now for a […]
What Does a Commercial Solicitor Do?
A commercial solicitor helps sole traders, businesses, and other organisations (such as public bodies) with a wide range of legal matters, including property, compliance, tax and disputes. If you would like to know more about how our commercial solicitors can help you, contact us for a free initial enquiry. Call us now on Southport 01704 […]
Leaseholders to benefit from closure of legal loophole
According to figures in The Times 5.3 million (21%) homes in England and Wales are leasehold, meaning the property is not owned outright but is instead ‘leased’ from the freeholder, typically for a lengthy term. In a leasehold arrangement there will usually be a contract between leaseholder and freeholder which sets out the legal rights […]
Getting the right type of survey when buying a new build property
It is a common misconception that you do not need a survey when purchasing a new build property. Whilst new builds look crisp and clean from afar, they can suffer from just as many problems as older houses – if not more. In a 2015 survey, 27% of buyers said their new home had more […]
Skimping on Will writing advice could cost you dearly
The internet has brought billions of pages of information right to our fingertips, sharing an endless supply of knowledge and expertise on just about any subject you can imagine. Using Google, you can ask practically any question and receive an instant detailed guide or how-to video in seconds. But in the context of will-writing, that’s […]
The 3,000 per cent probate fee hike: what you can do
The costs of administering an estate are set to soar from next month when probate fees will increase by up to 3,000 per cent. Currently, applications cost a standard fee of £215 which reduces to £155 if using a solicitor. Where the estate is worth less than £5,000, the cost is zero. For estates that […]
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