Legal
Firms fined for misuse of ‘architect’ title
Courts have been cracking down on rogue companies billing themselves as "architects" without the requisite qualifications.
A real architect
Required Reading: Could this be the end for manorial rights?
The most ancient set of rights remaining in English property law could be in line for sweeping reforms, after a report published last week by the House of Commons Justice Committee recommended a complete review…
Unlawful renovations land Hampstead homeowner with massive fine
The owner of a £4m house in Hampstead Garden Suburb has been hit with one of the biggest fines ever handed out for unlawful renovations to a listed building.
Fallout Proceedings: The unique position of the family home in divorce cases
The home holds unique status amongst a family’s assets in the eyes of the English courts, and tends to be given special treatment in the event of a divorce.
Legal Analysis: Court ruling bad news for landlords on tenancy deposit protection scheme
A ruling handed down right at the end of last year - concerning whether a landlord is subject to penalties for not complying with the Housing Act when it comes to tenancy deposit protection schemes - will affect…
Chelsea Barracks hit with £38m Stamp Duty bill
Project Blue Ltd, the Qatari government owned vessel for the Chelsea Barracks development in London, has been held to account to the tune of £38m after an HMRC tax tribunal upheld a legal ruling against…
Ancient property law firms join forces
Two of London's most venerable property law firms have decided to team up and create a 120-strong outfit with a combined total of 530 years' experience.
May, May & Merrimans (est. 1786) and Hunters (est.
Required Reading: On breach of trust claims against solicitors and licensed conveyancers
Danielle Best explains the recent case of AIB Group (UK) PLC v Mark Redler & Co. Solicitors, the result of which will be of some comfort to solicitors, conveyancers and their insurers...
Trademark warning for developers after Canary Wharf legal battle
A law firm has issued a warning to property developers about delaying trade mark applications, after an ambitious attempt to register the name Canary Wharf was turned down by the courts a mere thirty…
Irwin Mitchell boosts HNW offering with two new acquisitions
HNW advisory Berkeley Law and its separate resi property and conveyancing business, Berkeley Hurrell, have been snapped up by legal services giant Irwin Mitchell.
Required Reading: High value residential property and the Immigration Act
The requirement for landlords to undertake immigration checks presents a number of practical points that will have particular relevance to high value resi lettings, says Jane Reyersbach...
Conveyancing mega-portal unveils brand and gears up for Spring launch
The conveyancing world could be in for a major online shake up when the Law Society's new venture goes live in the Spring.