Reference Briefings
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says law professor Christopher Rodgers, but the laws that protect them are confusing, complicated and in some cases outdated...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…
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
What real impact would a public register of beneficial owners have on the UK property sector?
The new draft Bill promises more transparency in the UK property industry, but will it cause headaches for estate agents, solicitors and developers - and will it put off overseas investors?
Understanding Easements: What you don’t know can hurt you
Uncovering an easement can either be a blessing or a medieval curse - just don’t leave it up to chance, says Goodman Derrick's Morgan Wolfe...