New app promises to solve complex Stamp Duty calculations
“Compass” has been created by a team from Cornerstone Tax Advisors.
Holland Park neighbours block architect’s new-build home on aesthetic grounds
Well-known architect Sophie Hicks has lost the latest round in her battle to build a modern house in Kensington.
How agents can & should protect vendors from dual fees
“In today’s competitive housing market, it is not uncommon for sellers to move agents”, says Paul Offley. Here the compliance expert explains how estate agents can and should protect sellers against being hit with dual fees, while still ensuring they get what commission may be fairly due.
Majority of leaseholders think service charges are ‘unfair’
Nearly three-quarters of recent leasehold buyers think service charges are “unfair”, according to some new research, while nearly all (96%) would like more transparency over how charges are spent.
What ‘material information’ should be legally required on property listings?
“Consumers want more information”, says National Trading Standards’s Estate and Letting Agency team, as it launches a survey to find out what property agents think should be essential on all portal listings.
On stamp duty deadlines & search insurance
Local search indemnity insurance has come to the fore as buyers look to beat the new stamp duty deadlines, writes Lucy Barber.
Osborne Clarke recruits new real estate partner
Richard Wilkinson has joined law firm Osborne Clark from DLA Piper.
Court rules on ‘secret’ broker commissions
Brokers should owe a “duty of loyalty” to borrowers, rules the Court of Appeal, in a judgement that provides “much-needed clarity” to the mortgage industry.
UK real estate & the Register of Foreign Owners: New registration requirements, explained
As a transparency measure, the Government is set to introduce a Register of People with Significant Control over Overseas Companies owning UK real estate. Ronnie Myers of Burges Salmon and Michelle Cartwright of John Lamb Hill Oldridge explain how to navigate the new rules, which are due to come into force this year.
Tax advisor fined for Stamp Duty avoidance
A well-known tax advisor has been fined for allegedly avoiding Stamp Duty, after losing an appeal against a First Tier Tribunal.
High Court dismisses high-profile Southbank site valuation dispute
A High Court judge has “dismissed in its entirety” a dispute over the valuation of a prime development plot on London’s Southbank.
Law Society licenses proptech firm to provide up-front sales info
Gazeal says that pre-filled Protocol Forms can shave two weeks off transactions times…