Blog
The End of Leasehold Flats? A Breakdown of the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Bill
Úna Campbell
16 April 2015
Going underground – the pros and cons of basement conversions
The media has recently been awash with stories of contravertial super-basement conversions - we either love them (if we're the home-owner) or we hate them (if we're the neighbours) and there is little room for commentary in the middle. As they continue to make the headlines, we republish one of our most well-read blogs from last year, which offers an unbiased view on the pros and cons of extending property square footage by digging down.
18 December 2014
Buying a property for a disabled child or adult
The conveyancing procedure in England and Wales can be daunting, especially if you are acquiring a property that may need to be specially adapted due to requirements of a disabled person’s specific needs, particularly if he/she is lacking mental capacity, and those of his or her family. To help explain the stages of the conveyancing process in respect of such a purchase, we have set out a brief guide to outline the steps involved.
26 November 2014
Changing office use to residential – headaches on the road to conversion
Permitted development rights (PDR) introduced by central government in May 2013 allow a change of use of an existing B1(a) office building to C3, dwelling houses, without the necessity of obtaining planning permission.
16 October 2014
Rent Act tenants and vacant possession – the key to unlocking development potential
As a property advisor in the midst of a London property market bursting with redevelopment potential and a shortage of residential stock for both investors and occupiers alike, a noticeable trend has arisen in the firm’s work, as more and more of our clients are seeking to take advantage of the opportunities to redevelop existing buildings, whether these buildings are vacant or have tenants in situ.
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.