In challenging economic conditions, commercial property landlords must be prepared for tenants to hit financial difficulties and for some to go out of business. If your tenant becomes insolvent, there are legal restrictions on the kind of action you can take which will be different depending on the type of insolvency process your tenant is…
Rising interest rates have dominated the headlines recently, with the Bank of England estimating a million households could see their monthly mortgage repayments increase by £500 over the next three years. If you are affected, you may even be thinking about giving up your property so you will no longer have the burden of a…
No commercial landlord wants their property empty. A vacant unit costs money in repair, insurance, and business rates, without producing any income; and it could be vulnerable to vandalism or squatters. Getting a short-term occupier into your property is a great way to keep it ‘alive’ and bring in rent while you look for a…
A home with outside space appeals to many of us, but it may be hard to find somewhere affordable with a garden and, even then, you may not want the responsibility of its upkeep. A balcony or roof terrace could give you that much coveted al fresco space without the maintenance headache. ‘It is certainly…
In a bumpy market, it pays to be well-prepared before you put your commercial property on the market. Your solicitor will help you to be ready for the kinds of questions you should expect from prospective buyers as they and their solicitors carry out due diligence checks. The more potential problems you can spot and…
If you take out a mortgage to buy your home, your lender will almost certainly register a charge against it at the Land Registry. The charge does not transfer ownership. However, it will give the lender important rights, including the ability to sell your home if you default on your loan. ‘When borrowing to buy…
Commercial landlords are increasingly keen to show that their buildings are sustainable. With energy prices high and continuing uncertainty in the global energy markets, producing renewable energy on commercial buildings is more attractive than ever. Putting solar panels on a new building as you develop is relatively straightforward, but most landlords have to retrofit solar…
With the Renters Reform Bill aiming to strengthen tenants’ rights, and interest rates and economic pressures squeezing property investment returns, more and more landlords are leaving the private rental market. There have been claims in the media of a landlord exodus, and if you are a residential landlord perhaps you have been thinking about selling…
If a neighbouring landowner uses part of your land for something, such as access or drainage, it is likely that they will have a formal right known as an easement. This could restrict your ability to redevelop or extend existing buildings on your land. Easements are fertile ground for disputes, because it is not always…
If you are a homeowner, or looking to buy, the very word subsidence may fill you with dread or visions of sinkholes which hit the newspaper headlines. According to the British Insurance Brokers Association, subsidence is a common issue affecting an estimated 20 per cent of homes in some way. But what exactly is it,…