Is Now the Right Time to Re-Mortgage Your Home?

  Switching your mortgage can seem like an intimidating process, however the process is relatively straightforward, and many homeowners with a mortgage will choose to do so at one time or another. The rate of interest set by the Bank of England has remained below one per cent since 2009 – these historically low-interest rates have enabled buyers and property owners to access better mortgage rates and deals in recent years.

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Fear that abolition of section 21 notices will increase homelessness

In April 2019, the Government announced proposed changes to the tenant eviction process in England. The consultation, which ends on 12th October 2019, is asking for views on how to implement proposals to repeal section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 as well as strengthen the possession procedure under section 8 of the 1988 Act.

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What do Landlords Need to Know About the Tenant Fees Act 2019?

  In May 2019 we highlighted changes coming into force regarding unfair fees charged by letting agents (Tenant Fees Act 2019: Letting Fee Ban Comes into Force 17th May 2019). In this article, we look at the impact on landlords in more detail. What does the new legislation mean for landlords? The Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into force on 1st June 2019, radically changing the fees that a landlord can charge their tenants. As a consequence, some costs that previously might have been recovered from tenants may now have to be borne by the landlord. The provisions apply to…

Contracting Out of Security of Tenure of a Commercial Lease

The recent High Court case TFS Stores Ltd v The Designer Retail Outlet Centres (Mansfield) Ltd & Others (2019) concerned contracting out procedures under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

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How to Choose a Conveyancing Solicitor

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases you will make in your life. As a result, you want to be sure it is handled as skillfully as possible. Choosing the right solicitor can be challenging. Should you rely on the recommendation of family and friends, or do your own research? There are so many considerations to take into account, from pricing and location to experience and even fit - how do you choose the solicitor that is right for you?

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Tenant Fees Act 2019: Letting Fee Ban comes into Force

As of 1st June 2019, unfair fees charged by letting agents will no longer be legal thanks to the Tenants Act 2019. The ban was first announced more than two-and-a-half years ago, following an extensive campaign led by journalist Vicky Spratt. Millions of renters will benefit from the Act, saving hundreds if not thousands of pounds on fees charged by letting agents and landlords.

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Reforms proposed to tackle abuse of leasehold system

A group of MPs have tabled proposals for changes to the leasehold system in England and Wales which sees some homeowners saddled with high charges and leaves them unable to re-mortgage or sell their properties.

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Landlords required to pay up to £3,500 under Energy Rating Rules

Landlords have been required to ensure that any residential property that they lease has an EPC rating of at least an E since 1 April 2018, unless they have registered that it is exempt on the National PRS Exemptions Register under the rules in the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (MEES Regulations).

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London asking prices down 2.1%

The national average asking price is up 0.7 per cent on last month and 0.2 per cent annually, sitting at £300,715 in February 2019, according to the latest house price index.

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A single housing complaints service to launch in England

A new complaints service for landlords and tenants in England is to be launched, a “single, swift and effective route to complain when things go wrong”, according to the Property Ombudsman.

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