Reference Briefings
Required Reading: Key recommendations from the Grenfell fire report
Nearly 18 months after fire ripped through Grenfell Tower in West London, Sir Martin Moore-Bick has published his Phase One report on the public inquiry into the disaster.
Insolvency in the Construction Sector: Causes, warning signs & how to protect yourself
The number of UK building and property firms getting into financial hot water has escalated in the last few years
The Tenant Fees Act: Does it have any teeth?
Barrister Katrina Mather of Hardwicke Chambers explores the realities of the Tenant Fees ban, a "slightly peculiar piece of legislation" that came into force on 1st June
‘Accidental landlord’ numbers fall for the first time in five years
Next year's tax changes are pushing some landlords to sell up before April, says Hamptons International
Nearly half of London letting agents break the law
46% of London letting agents inspected in the last 15 months "do not comply with the law"; rogue agents have paid more than £1.2m in fines in that time.
Government delays construction VAT ‘reverse charge’ rollout
HMRC gives builders a last-minute reprieve, pushing reverse charge changes to VAT down the road for a year as a result of industry lobbying - and to "avoid the changes coinciding with Brexit"
Required Reading: The VAT reverse charge for building & construction services
A major change to the way VAT is collected in the building and construction industry comes into play on 1st October 2019 [delayed to 2020]
Urban commons are under siege in the age of austerity – here’s how to protect them
The UK’s surviving urban commons are precious green spaces, says law professor Christopher Rodgers, but the laws that protect them are confusing, complicated and in some cases outdated...
Airbnbs & Graces: A practical guide to short-term letting for luxury property owners
As short-term accommodation phenomenon AirBnB rolls out its 'Luxe' division, targeting the very top-end of the international property market, lawyer Laura Kearns flags up the key obligations, processes a…
Required Reading: Understanding the Tenant Fees Act 2019
After years of debate, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 will officially come into force on 1st June, bringing with it a set of radical changes for the lettings industry
PEPs, SARs & MLROs: An A to Z of Anti-Money Laundering
As "gatekeepers", estate agents play a crucial role in the UK Government's ongoing efforts to stamp out money laundering and terrorism financing
Required Reading: The Budget 2018 for HNWIs & business owners
Mishcon de Reya's expert team breaks down Philip Hammond's last pre-Brexit Budget, highlighting key policy changes for affluent individuals, property owners and entrepreneurs