Reference Briefings
New Right to Light guidance for homeowners left in the shadows
“Ancient lights are still a current day safeguard against unwanted obstruction to natural light,” says the RICS.
ICIJ: Who helps Russian oligarchs secretly buy jets, yachts and other luxury playthings?
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists is shining a light on a "small army" of private client advisors, brokers, accountants and lawyers that enable Russian oligarchs to "live large"…
Leaving properties in portals – sharp practice or an offence?
Advertising a property as being available but then telling callers that they cannot view it because it is SSTC is a classic example of bait and switch, says David Smith
Overseas Entities: The real estate effect
The effects of the Economic Crime Act will be felt far and wide across the UK real estate industry, writes Nathan Rees
Tax U-turn is good news for UK owners of French property
Many Brits could be due a rebate following an unexpected decision by the French authorities, says law firm
Unexplained wealth orders: How is the British law changing and will it stop dirty money circulating in London?
The Economic Crime Act allows the government to convey the impression that it is ‘doing something’ about the proceeds of kleptocracy being laundered in the UK - but far more fundamental and far-reaching ref…
Register of overseas property owners becomes law as Economic Crime Bill receives Royal Assent
Foreign owners of UK property have six months to comply with new registration documents, as the Economic Crime Bill completes its fast-track passage through parliament.
Belgravia mansion ‘liberated’ by anti-oligarch squatters
“This is only the beginning” warn activists, as they occupy a Belgrave Square townhouse said to be owned by a sanctioned Russian billionaire - and call for others to "squat oligarchs' properties every…
Housing Secretary Gove reiterates call to house Ukrainian refugees in seized Russian mansions
"I want to explore an option which would allow us to use the homes and properties of sanctioned individuals – as long as they are sanctioned – for humanitarian and other purposes," said Michael Gove at …
Luxury home sales rocket in Tel Aviv as wealthy Russian buyers seek a safe haven
“The number of visits to our Tel Aviv website and enquiries via Whatsapp from Russians has increased tenfold since the escalation of the Ukraine-Russian crisis in 2021," says the boss of Beauchamp Estates i…
Imposter Fraud: How to avoid it happening to you & your clients
The increasingly common crime of imposter fraud hit the mainstream this week with the airing of nightmarish ITV thriller Our House, in which a family returned from holiday to find an unknown couple moving…
More London trophy homes frozen as Abramovich and other oligarchs targeted in another round of Russia sanctions
Alongside a significant portfolio of super-prime residences in London and the Home Counties, Chelsea Football Club - owned by Roman Abramovich - is also effectively frozen, with no new ticket or merchandise …