Legal
Landlord Action: A cautionary buy-to-let tale
Gemma James explains the ramifications of a recent case in which a tenant successfully sued his landlord after tripping up on an uneven paving stone...
Out of the Shadows: Reforming Rights of Light
The Law Commission describes a 'right of light' as an easement that gives a landowner the right to receive light through defined apertures in buildings on his or her land.
Garden square developments face ‘removal’ after High Court ruling
The High Court has handed down a decision that could have major implications for owners or developers of garden square properties.
Four lateral hires for Fladgate
Law firm Fladgate has announced four simultaneous lateral hires, including a new real estate and finance partner, corporate partner, banking partner and construction partner.
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...