Legal
Rights to Light: Landscape improves for developers
Developers "should be less fearful of going to court" over rights to light - as long as they have acted in a reasonable and responsible way - concludes a panel of experts assembled by Mishcon de Reya to…
Love Thy Neighbour: Residential property development and the law of nuisance
From encroachment to physical damage, building work can affect a neighbouring property in a whole host of different ways.
Agents turn to the courts over what constitutes a confidential client list
Two London estate agencies have turned to the High Court over "a very large difference in opinion" about what makes a confidential client/prospect list.
King’s Road scheme blocked over affordable housing provision
The Planning Inspectorate has upheld a decision to refuse permission for a new scheme in Chelsea, on the grounds that it didn't provide enough affordable housing.
Man fined for ‘stupid’ Holland Park loft extension
What would actually happen if you banged up a loft extension in the Royal Borough without planning permission?
Mishcon launches HNW advisory arm Mayfair Private
Leading law firm Mishcon de Reya is launching an independent private client advisory business with offshore fiduciary bods Opus Private.
Chartwell wins £25m Knightsbridge commission battle
Berkeley Square-based brokerage Chartwell Estates has reportedly won the right to a £450,000 unpaid commission on a £25m deal in Knightsbridge, after a lengthy legal tussle.
Change of Usefulness: Is the planning system finally about to speed up?
Will the latest batch of planning reforms kick-start conversions or leave developers still kicking their heels, asks Rachel Lee...
Cashier buyers only?
Required Reading: How to extend a lease or buy a freehold
John D Wood's Head of Valuation James Wyatt talks us through the complicated business of safeguarding the future value of a property...
Rights of Light at the end of the Tunnel: Coventry Vs Lawrence
Developers will welcome a new Supreme Court decision that heralds a more flexible approach to the question of the appropriate remedy for a claimant whose rights of light will be adversely impacted by a…
We Can Work It Out: How to keep your architect and contractors onside (and on site)
Building projects are never easy, but they can get seriously stressful if you fall out with your team half way through.
Boodle Hatfield bolsters property team
It's been a busy couple of weeks for top law firm Boodle Hatfield, what with bolstering its Private Client and Property teams and announcing a new base on swanky Grosvenor Street in Mayfair.