Recent Articles in conveyancing

External cladding – why is this an issue?
Apr 9, 2021

The horrific events of the Grenfell tragedy on 14th June 2017 have pulled into sharp focus the potential for significant health and safety issues around external cladding and fire safety in high-rise buildings. This article looks at the issues that someone affected by cladding who also may be considering buying their freehold may need to think about. To understand the position - which is likely to vary from case to case - we need to understand some of the background to the cladding crisis and look at how this has affected different buildings.

New property price forecasts following the budget
Mar 12, 2021

The reality is we are in for a pretty exciting year this year. Market wise, demand seems to have gone through the roof again and will remain in positive territory probably until the summer. Savills have been the first off the blocks to assess the impact of these policies with their new forecasts for this year, and lets bear in mind how pessimistic everyone one was this time last year. Read more here.

Any surprises in Rishi Sunak's Budget in 2021?
Mar 5, 2021

Yes there were! Lots of things not done that people feared, including, no changes to Capital Gains Tax, no changes to income tax, VAT etc. In reality, this was a pretty good Budget for everyone except tenants in rent arrears and the landlords who are having to deal with a situation where they can’t get rent, can’t evict the tenant and can’t even sell the property to recoup their losses. So, what are the implications of the Budget for people and property in 2021 and beyond?

Kate Faulkner's property price update - February 2021
Feb 18, 2021

My report on regional performance is usually: ‘look how diverse the performance is’ but not this month. All regions have bounded back incredibly post lockdown and rather than forecasts of falls in the housing market, it’s clearly done the opposite. As with the regional growth, most cities experienced extraordinary year on year growth across the UK, however, there are more differences at this lower geographical level. Read more to find out what's happening in your area.

Leasehold enfranchisement - the importance of valuation
Feb 3, 2021

If you’ve decided to extend the lease on your existing flat or a property you are buying, you’re considering buying the freehold of your leasehold house, or you’re clubbing together with your neighbours to buy the freehold of your block (known as “collective enfranchisement”), you will need to obtain a professional valuation. In this article, Henrietta Hammonds member of ALEP’s Advisory Committee considers the importance of valuation in relation to the enfranchisement of leasehold properties.