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.

Lucy specialises in all aspects of residential property acting for a variety of private individuals, developers and investors and lenders in the acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property. She is also a member of the Enfranchisement Team acting for both landlords and tenants in connection with their enfranchisement claims. Her work includes acting for the Phillimore Estate and the Crown Estate dealing their enfranchisement claims and management issues arising from their property portfolios. Lucy provides commercial and practical advice to ensure the best outcome is reached for her clients.
Conveyancer jailed for £350k stamp duty swindle
A conveyancer from north west London has been jailed for three years and four months after being found guilty of "swindling" his clients and HMRC out of £352,500 in stamp duty.
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‘Sigh of relief’ after Supreme Court ruling on landlord’s duty
Court of Appeal's judgment left buy-to-let and other intermediate landlords facing the risk of potential claims for personal injury or other damages
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Tchenguiz fraud case collapses
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has dropped its investigation into Vincent Tchenguiz, cancelling his bail and conceding that it "made errors".
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Companies in this article
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'A combination of high supply & faltering confidence means we now expect slower UK house price growth this year & in 2026,' says research chief Tom Bill - with prime markets set for sharp declines.
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Knight Frank boosts PCL lettings team with senior hires
Agency recruits seasoned operators from Hamptons & CBRE for key roles in Chelsea & Knightsbridge.
Deal sealed on rare penthouse overlooking Regent’s Park
Boutique firm tucks away 4,000 sq ft spread at close to its £7.5mn guide as part of £30mn deal run.
London property ‘no longer a safe bet’, warns top wealth manager
'The London property boom is well and truly over,' declares Rathbones
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Historic St John’s Wood school building set for luxury resi revival
Swift consent secured for MWA-designed plans to restore former residence & studio of the artist John O’Connor.
Super-prime St John’s Wood mansion finds a buyer
Trophy home on Hamilton Terrace sold 'within a few months' of being listed at £20mn.
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‘A market in transition’: Inside London’s evolving luxury resi development scene
New report reveals how policy, branding & global demand are reshaping the next phase of the capital’s ultra-prime development cycle.
Indie estate agency Wilfords branches out in SW London
Boutique firm adds to its growing network with a new base close to Clapham Common.
Jamie Hope: Uncertainty is the only certainty we have
'Buyers are looking at the market through an ultra-cautious lens,' but boutique agency boss still sees positive signs.
By Jamie Hope
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