Reference Briefings
Wills & Estimates: Passing prime property onto the next generation
In the wake of a high-profile legal battle over an £800k flat in Battersea, Clare Mackay talks us through the issues surrounding the passing of prime property onto the next generation...
Crib Sheet: Scotland’s new Land and Buildings Transactions Tax
On the 21st of January 2015 the Deputy First Minister confirmed to the Scottish Parliament that the tax rates on residential property had been reviewed and revised.
Required Reading: Capital Gains Tax FAQ
The Government has issued a firm nudge to remind everyone that, from 6th April 2015, individuals, trustees, and certain companies who are not resident in the UK and sell a UK residential property need…
Budget 2015: Crib Sheet
In his sixth budget, 50 days before the general election, George Osborne's focus was unsurprisingly on economic stability, continuing to reduce the deficit and moving towards a Britain built on savings…
Required Reading: Stamp Duty Reform and the Prime London Market
The long-criticised slab rate system for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) was abolished in the Autumn Statement in December 2014, seeking to bring fairness to property purchase costs and benefiting 98% of homebuyers.
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…
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.
Required Reading: Right to rent and the prime lettings industry
Landlords at the top end are likely to start placing more reliance on their agents for guidance on immigration checks, following the introduction of a controversial pilot scheme earlier this month.
Crib Sheet: Autumn Statement 2015
This was a gloves off, political Autumn Statement in the run up to the 2015 election says Mishcon de Reya.
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...
Required Reading: High value residential property and the Immigration Act
The requirement for landlords to undertake immigration checks presents a number of practical points that will have particular relevance to high value resi lettings, says Jane Reyersbach...
Required Reading: Second home ownership and the EU’s new succession rules
Ten years in the making, a fundamental shift to succession rules in most EU countries will come into force next year.