Blog
Court of Appeal confirms scope of data controllers’ security obligations
Christopher Perrin
22 September 2014
The Immigration Act 2014 - private landlords to check on tenants' immigration status
The Immigration Act 2014, which received royal assent on 14 May, requires private landlords of residential properties to keep a regular check on the immigration status of their prospective tenants, and other authorised occupiers. Landlords must also make sure that someone’s right to occupy the property does not lapse. Failure to comply could lead to a civil penalty of up to £3,000.
25 March 2014
The budget and its effect on purchases of residential properties for UK and foreign investors
Last week, the Chancellor made some important announcements concerning Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) which may impact on how a residential property is purchased and held and may act as a deterrent to overseas nationals investing in UK property in particular.
17 March 2014
Capital allowances - create a pool to avoid taking a bath
Since April 2012, it has been a requirement that in order for a buyer to claim capital allowances on a commercial property, it must have fixed the value of that qualifying expenditure with the seller, usually by means of a tax election under s198 of the Capital Allowances Act 2001.
9 December 2013
Top tips for buyers in the current property market
As London slowly wakes up from a bad financial hangover, the property market seems to be well on its way to recovery. But with house prices rising, the property industry has reported a rise in gazumping, first fashionable in the property boom of the 80s. Together with frequent warnings of an imminent property bubble, the residential property market in London can seem pretty frenetic and intimidating. Here are Julia Hicks' top tips for residential buyers, who have found the property they want, had their offer accepted, and want to ensure they proceed to exchange.
25 October 2013
Streamlining the conveyancing process – let’s talk about it
The Law Society have revealed plans to create an online conveyancing portal, with aims to have the portal live by 2014. Julia Hicks discuss.