Tag: property law
How will flat owners benefit from the new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act?
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act received Royal Assent before the ending of parliament for the general election. The main body of the legislation is likely to come into effect in 2025/26. The new law aims to make leasehold rules fairer, easier to deal with and more transparent for those with leasehold homes. The following...
Transferring a Property into Joint Names
Due to the blended society we live in, there could be a million and one reasons why the property we live in may only be in one person’s name. However, when the time comes to add another person onto the mortgage or title deed, what exactly needs to be done? When the legal title of...
Understanding public rights of way over private land
If you have a public right of way over your land or you are considering buying a property with a public right of way crossing it, you need to be aware of the obligations that accompany it. You may also have questions about moving the path. We take a look at the legal situation. Public...
Understanding equity release
Equity release policies give homeowners aged 55 or older the option of freeing up capital from their properties without needing to sell up. Whether you want funds to travel, help your children onto the property ladder or make some home improvements, equity release may be an option you are considering. However, you must always take...
Should you sell your rental property while the tenants are in it?
It’s perfectly possible to sell a property while it’s being rented to tenants, but is it a good idea? We look at the pros and cons. For landlords who want to sell, whether or not to give the tenants notice can be a big decision. Selling property with tenants in situ If you choose to...
Can you exchange and complete on the same day?
If you are moving house, you may be wondering if it is possible to exchange contracts on the same day that you complete your sale or purchase. When you buy or sell a property, it is normal to exchange contracts a week or more in advance. This gives your solicitor time to carry out the...
Declarations Of Trust
If you have an interest in a property but your name is not on the title deeds, a declaration of trust can offer protection. We look at how a declaration of trust works and what provisions you can include to ensure you do not lose any contributions you have made. It is sometimes the case...
Dealing with a boundary dispute
Boundary disputes can be difficult to deal with and disagreements with neighbours can escalate if they are not resolved promptly. Disputes are often over small areas of land, for example, a corner of the garden or the edge of a driveway. The official plans of properties that are available from the Land Registry are rarely...
Two-thirds of first-time buyers are purchasing a property jointly
According to mortgage lender Halifax, nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers in 2023 did not buy their property in their sole name. The lender found that 63% of first-time buyer mortgage completions were in joint names. The average deposit put down was £53,414, which accounts for 19% of the purchase price. During a challenging financial year,...
