Blog

Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 10cm per day. The rhizomes (roots) can expand up to 7m underground and cause problems by interfering with gardens, patios, paths, driveways, walls, outbuildings, conservatories and drainage systems. When selling a property, one of the first things a Seller must complete is the Property Information Form. This is a legal form that provides the Buyer with important information about the property. Within the Property Information Form, the Seller is required to confirm whether the property is affected by Japanese Knotweed. When answe...

We are frequently asked “can I make a Power of Attorney once I have lost mental capacity?” or “a loved one has lost mental capacity – can I now make a Power of Attorney for them?”    We always explain that you can only make a Power of Attorney (for Property & Financial Affairs and/or Health & Welfare) when you do have mental capacity – to either be used to manage your property and financial affairs straightaway or, if you prefer, only when you have lost mental functioning.  What is not possible is to make a Power of Attorney ...

Advice for Business Tenants on lease renewals   The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 protects tenants of commercial property with the automatic right to renew their lease upon expiry however this right can be excluded by the landlord at the outset of the lease.   If protected by the Act, either the landlord or tenant can service notice on the other in the last 12 months of the lease term to initiate lease renewal or termination proceedings. The commercial lease renewal process needs to be handled correctly to ensure your business isn’t negatively affected. Ensuring you have...

With interest rates set to rise, Kwarteng has shaken up stamp duty rates to make it cheaper for you to buy a property.  The threshold where no stamp duty is payable is rising from £125,000 to £250,000, meaning buyers can save up to £2,500.  If you are a first-time buyer, then the threshold where no stamp duty is payable has been increased from £300,000.00 to £425,00.00.    This means that any home bought for under £425,000.00 will be free of stamp duty. The new rates were implemented with immediate effect benefiting anyone buyi...