Tax U-turn is good news for UK owners of French property
Many Brits could be due a rebate following an unexpected decision by the French authorities, says law firm
Unexplained wealth orders: How is the British law changing and will it stop dirty money circulating in London?
The Economic Crime Act allows the government to convey the impression that it is ‘doing something’ about the proceeds of kleptocracy being laundered in the UK – but far more fundamental and far-reaching reform is needed, writes Áine Clancy
Russian billionaire reportedly ‘ditched’ UK mansions before sanctions were imposed
A BBC investigation suggests that Alisher Usmanov’s UK assets – including mansions in London and Surrey – “could be beyond the reach of UK sanctions. And the same could be true for other oligarchs.”
LonRes launches new GDPR compliance services
LonRes has partnered with iCompli to help property agents manage clients’ personal data.
UK sanctions more Russia-linked billionaires
Another batch of billionaires and alleged Putin-allies have been sanctioned by the UK – including the owner of one of north London’s most impressive restoration projects.
Homes for Ukraine: What landlords need to know
The NRLA answers some key questions following the launch of the government’s new scheme aimed at providing accommodation to those fleeing the conflict
Belgravia mansion ‘liberated’ by anti-oligarch squatters
“This is only the beginning” warn activists, as they occupy a Belgrave Square townhouse said to be owned by a sanctioned Russian billionaire – and call for others to “squat oligarchs’ properties everywhere”
Imposter Fraud: How to avoid it happening to you & your clients
The increasingly common crime of imposter fraud hit the mainstream this week with the airing of nightmarish ITV thriller Our House, in which a family returned from holiday to find an unknown couple moving into their house. Jayna Patel talks us through the real-life case that inspired the show, and offers some practical tips for avoiding a similar fate…
Gove ‘disappointed’ as property developers ‘fall short’ on cladding remediation
“If an agreement is not reached by the end of March, I have been clear that government will impose a solution in law,” warns the Housing Secretary, “and have taken powers to impose this solution through the Building Safety Bill.”
‘There will be nowhere to hide’: Government fast-tracks Economic Crime Bill & register of overseas property owners
“Time is up for Putin’s cronies hiding dirty money in the UK and this new legislation will help to crack down on economic crime, including removing key barriers to using Unexplained Wealth Orders,” says Home Secretary Priti Patel.
Soaring property prices fuel surge in contentious probate work
With so many homes now worth seven-figure sums, it has become more attractive for claimants to contest probate, says Bishop & Sewell
Trading Standards mandates new ‘Material Information’ for all property listings
Estate agents must include prices, council tax bands and tenures on property portal listings.