Blog
Kingsley Napley’s Medical Negligence Team ‘walks together’ with the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity
Sharon Burkill
10 July 2017
Unclear contract terms – sign up to them at your peril
The judgment in GB Building Solutions Limited (in administration) –and– SFS Fire Services Limited (t/a Central Fire Protection) [2017] EWHC 1289 (TCC) illustrates yet again the importance of clearly defining terms and, in particular, critical dates in construction contracts. This is one in a series of recent cases in which the TCC judges have re-affirmed their strict approach to contract interpretation.
22 March 2017
Why mining searches are advisable regardless of location: the property buyer’s modern day canary
It is not unusual for property buyers in the UK to find a reference to ground instability in the report on title prepared by their solicitor. Clay-rich soils, on which many UK cities and towns are founded, are prone to shrinking and swelling with changes in moisture content. This may cause significant structural damage to buildings and costs insurers hundreds of millions of pounds a year. Property owners are advised not to allow the ground to become too dry or too wet and not to plant or remove trees in the vicinity of their properties.
21 February 2017
At a loss about the 2016 changes to the JCT Design and Build Contract?
It has been five months since the publication of the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 (the “JCT DB 2016”).
Many of the amendments to the 2011 edition are form over substance with the objective being to make the JCT DB 2016 more user-friendly by using clearer and more consolidated drafting. There are also more options for users, such as provision for a performance bond, parent company guarantee and sub-contractor third party rights.
20 February 2017
The Life and Soul of the Party Wall Act - top tips on how to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours
As London property prices continue to climb, home owners and developers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to extract additional value from every square foot. The traditionally favoured methods have been to extend out, or upwards, and statistics show such developments are still booming. In March 2015, City A.M reported that there were over 250 towers of 20-storeys or more going through the planning approval process in London. However, the latest trend in some of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods – where space is at a premium and both practical and planning hurdles prevent major development above – is going underground.
2 February 2017
Renting out your home or buy to let property on Airbnb could land you in hot water with your mortgage lender
Some of our recent articles have highlighted important issues that need to be considered when you list your home for rent on Airbnb. In this final part of our Airbnb trilogy, we cover what mortgage lenders think of the growing practice of using websites like Airbnb.
