For first time buyers, preparing to buy your first home is exciting but understanding some of the vital laws relating to house buying can help prepare you for navigating the conveyancing process. Jane Bohill, residential...
When you buy a flat you will usually buy it via a lease rather than buying it outright. This is because, when you own a flat, there needs to be a mechanism in place to ensure that everyone in the building occupies their...
When many of us think about heritage properties, we think of buildings associated with our architectural past: a castle, stately home or elegant Georgian townhouse perhaps. But new developments, such as barn and warehouse...
The introduction of a higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for people who own more than one residential property has proved controversial as it has had some unexpected consequences. Although aimed primarily at investors...
Record numbers of home owners are choosing to unlock the money tied up in their homes through equity release schemes. The promise of access to cash without having to move is an attractive proposition but taking out money...
Property fraud occurs when someone tries to ‘steal’ your property and use it for their benefit. Usually it is committed by a fraudster assuming your identity to sell or mortgage your property without you knowing. It is...
In the first of a two-part series of articles on how different ways of buying a home can affect your legal rights we explained the implications of using self-funded options and government-backed schemes. In this article we...
When thinking about buying your first home, or selling your existing one to move up the property ladder, you may be tempted to raise the money you need using what you believe to be the quickest and cheapest method. You may...
Boundaries determine the extent of any land or buildings you own. They are, in simple terms, the line which separates your property from that of your neighbours. They may take the form of a wall, a fence, a hedge, a piece of...
If you have Japanese Knotweed in your garden it could seriously affect your chances of selling your home. Mortgage companies are reluctant to lend on properties with an infestation and, as confirmed in a recent court case,...