Category: General
Price transparency in conveyancing shows solicitors are affordable
When consumers were unaware of how much a solicitor might charge, half assumed that they were an unaffordable option. A new survey has shown that now that prices are easily available to view, only 10 per cent think they are unaffordable. At the end of 2018, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced new Transparency Rules...
Can I buy my parents’ home below market value?
It is open to children aged 18 or over to buy their parents’ home for less than it is worth, however this can have serious financial implications. Selling a home to children is often desirable, helping the next generation onto the property ladder, passing on the home without incurring estate agency fees and keeping a...
Yes! We’re still open. It’s business as usual.
Given last night’s announcement that the country is lie in a national lockdown, we wanted to let you know that moving home is still allowed as it has been since mid-May. Below is a link to the Government website with more information. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home#moving-home At LPL we will continue our usual Covid procedures: including working from...
The government’s Green Homes Grant
The government’s Green Homes Grant scheme, announced in July 2020, is live. The grant can cover two-thirds of the cost of specified energy-efficient improvements on homes in England up to a maximum of £5,000, or £10,000 for those on certain benefits. What green measures can be funded? Home improvement measures are split into ‘primary’ and...
Top tips for packing when moving home
Packing to move house can be a huge undertaking, particularly if you have the contents of a family home to deal with. We take a look at some top tips for an easy move. Start decluttering as soon as you can Perhaps the most important tip is to make a start as soon as you...
Sell your house in time to benefit from the Stamp Duty holiday
To stimulate the housing market during the pandemic, the chancellor has put in place a temporary measure meaning many home buyers will not have to pay Stamp Duty. The nil-rate period is set to last until 31 March 2021. With purchases often taking several months to complete, if you want to save money by not...
Protecting your leasehold investment
Over four million properties in England and Wales are leasehold – if yours is among that number, keep an eye on how many years are left on the lease. Any less than 80 and it’s time to extend it. The number of leasehold properties in England and Wales is on the rise. So what does...
How to do your bit to prevent property fraud
While it may not be possible for someone to physically steal your house, unfortunately property fraud is a real threat. Since 2009, HM Land Registry has stopped more than £100m worth of property fraud. While fraud is rare, there are certain situations which leave you more vulnerable. These are If the property is: rented out...
Working from home? How to keep your body and soul happy, hopeful and healthy.
Many of us are still working from home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The distance to the fridge at home is much shorter than our normal lunchtime stroll to get some lunch at the shop or cafe. Finding ways to stay physically active at home is very important for your physical and mental health. Exercise...