In the UK there are two main types of legal ownership of a property: freehold and leasehold. As a first-time buyer, it is possible that you might be looking to purchase leasehold property. If you are looking to buy a…
In 2017 the number of first-time buyers in the UK reached its highest level in more than 11 years. That number is likely to increase further due to changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Government policies such as…
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (2015 SI No. 962) were put in place to meet obligations to improve energy efficiency under the Energy Act 2011, and to meet the UK’s targets for CO² reduction. These rules were brought…
This year has seen a number of legal developments regarding both property and dogs. Some landlords are reluctant to allow animals onto leasehold premises due to concerns that pets may cause damage or a nuisance to their other tenants. Leases often…
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of headlines and news stories touting the UK as a safe haven for money launderers. Nowhere is this more prevalent than within the London property market. However, as of 31…
The collapse of the UK’s second largest construction company, Carillion, was not particularly surprising given recent profit warnings and debts believed to be in the region of £1.5 billion. What happened to Carillion It was rumoured over the weekend that in the…
Many non-married couples may decide to purchase a property together and register both their names as legal owners on the title deeds. If they are contributing different amounts to the purchase price they may also want to record their contributions and…
A recent report has demonstrated that the Government’s controversial ‘right to rent’ scheme is discriminating against potential tenants. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) found that over half of landlords surveyed admitted that the new right to rent…
The appearance of websites such as AirBnB, Ownersdirect and OneFineStay has recently led more and more homeowners to explore generating income from their properties. Over two million properties worldwide are listed on AirBnB alone and it, like other ‘disruptive’ new businesses,…
Recent newspaper headlines recount stories of bizarre proposals by owners to enlarge their substantial London houses by digging down to create several levels under the building and under the garden, to house swimming pools, cars and wine collections! On a more…
