The first Labour budget for 14 years was the subject of much speculation in the press. But what has changed for homeowners, buyers and sellers? And is there anything property owners should do as a result? ‘There was a lot of hype surrounding the budget,’ agrees Alicia Hunter, a Solicitor in the residential conveyancing team…
Picture this; you have had your offer accepted and the conveyancing is progressing smoothly, but before exchange of contracts, your solicitor tells you that the property you are buying is subject to a restrictive covenant. ‘That scenario is more common than you might think,’ admits Chloe Smart, a Director and the Head of Residential Property…
On current estimates, the United Kingdom needs over four million new homes to meet its housing needs. So, if you own a small plot of land which you no longer need or wish to maintain, now could be a good time to sell, especially if your plot has development potential. ‘The prospect of selling to…
Climate change is likely to affect most if not all our homes, and homebuyers are much more conscious of environmental issues nowadays, which is something to be aware of if you are selling. ‘If your home is already affected, other properties in your neighbourhood probably will be too. Often, you can improve your chances of…
Many of us dream about having our own pool, especially as summer approaches. What better way to beat a heatwave? And, on a more practical note, swimming is great exercise, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. So, if you are searching for your next home, a house with a pool may be high on…
If you are selling a leasehold property, as part of the standard conveyancing process, your buyers will expect you to provide certain information about your property. There are set forms for this, including one which relates specifically to leases that asks if you are aware of any problems regarding the service charge or any complaints…
The Government’s 2024 Spring Budget saw significant changes to the way property is taxed, including the imminent abolition of multiple dwelling relief. This will primarily affect investors looking to buy multiple properties at the same time, however, it could also affect you if you are buying a property that comprises more than one unit, such…
Research suggests that nearly a third of recent sellers have suffered gazundering, which property pundits attribute to a downturn in the market. But, in some areas, the lack of suitable properties means there is still fierce competition for homes, with buyers trying to outbid each other via gazumping. ‘It is certainly a challenging time to…
When selling your home, you may recall the expression ‘buyer beware’. But what does this mean, and is it still relevant today? ‘Historically, the buyers in a conveyancing transaction have been responsible for satisfying themselves on a property’s suitability,’ explains Chloe Smart, a Director and the Head of Residential Property with Landsmiths Solicitors. ‘Nowadays though,…
Nearly 10 per cent of land in England and Wales has never been registered at HM Land Registry, usually because the owner bought the property a long time ago or inherited it. ‘If your property is not registered, this should have little or no impact on you on a day-to-day basis. However, it could put…