Category: Purchase
Stamp Duty changes September 2022 explained
In September 2023, chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced changes to rates of Stamp Duty payable on property purchases in England and Northern Ireland. Although tax cuts announced at the same time were subsequently withdrawn, the Stamp Duty changes remain in effect. The new rates of Stamp Duty will mean less tax will be payable for some...
How does a gifted deposit for a house purchase work?
With house prices continuing to make buying a first home difficult, many people are given money towards the purchase by parents and other close relatives. When using a gifted deposit there are a number of steps to go through to satisfy lender and other legal requirements. You should also consider the legal implications of a...
Should I buy a house with solar panels?
Many homes now have solar panels and with energy bills a concern, they are more attractive than ever. But before you commit to buying a home with solar panels already installed, there are certain points you need to be aware of. Solar panels provide free or cheap electricity for your home and reduce the need...
What are the legal implications of Airbnb-type short lettings?
With the increase in popularity of short lets, such as via the Airbnb website, it is important to understand the legal implications, to include whether this type of short-term letting is permitted for leasehold properties and what preparations need to be made to protect your property and restrict your liability. While it is relatively easy...
Can you exchange contracts and complete on the same day?
If you are buying or selling a property, the agreement does not become legally binding until contracts are exchanged. We take a look at what this means and whether exchange and completion can happen simultaneously. When someone buys a property, there is a substantial amount of work to be done beforehand. All of this must...
Easy eco upgrades for your home
A recent study from Money.co.uk has found that homeowners could add £29,000 to the value of their property by undertaking some easy eco upgrades. As green living becomes more and more important, homeowners have the opportunity to save money as well as the planet by making some simple changes. The study compared the cost of...
First time buyer questions answered
If you are planning on buying your first home, you probably have many questions. The process can be confusing and it is important to fully understand what you are taking on when you make such a major investment. We answer some of the most commonly asked questions of first-time buyers. How do I know which...
Enforcing restrictive covenants
Most properties are subject to restrictive covenants. We take a look at the law surrounding them and whether they can be enforced. Restrictive covenants require landowners not to carry out certain acts in respect of their property. For example, not to construct anything forward of the building line, not to park a caravan on the...
What is collective enfranchisement?
If you own a flat with a long lease (granted for more than 21 years) you have the right to purchase the freehold of the building. This is referred to as collective enfranchisement. Where a landlord or management company owns the freehold of a property that contains flats, the flat owners will be required to...
