Understanding squatters’ rights
A squatter may sometimes be able to claim ownership of property if certain conditions are met. Also referred to as adver
What to look out for when buying a coastal home
For many people, living by the sea would be a dream come true. But it pays to be aware of the implications of coast livi
How do I extend my lease?
If you own a leasehold property, the number of years remaining on the lease will gradually drop. Once it falls towards 8
Landlords Face New EPC Minimum Rating Requirement
The new Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has confirmed that the government intends t
Government hopes to ban no-fault evictions by summer 2025
The government has introduced a Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to provide greater for security for renters, and a ‘lev
What will happen to my house when I die?
If you are a property owner, you need to know what will happen to it in the future. Passing on a house is not always str
Leasehold Reform Act benefits for flat owners
How will flat owners benefit from the new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act? The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act recei
Six reasons why you may need a cohabitation agreement
Moving in together is an important and exciting step in a relationship. Whether you are moving into a house or apartment
Solar panels – what is the legal position?
According to standards organisation MCS, more than 183,000 solar panel installations took place in 2023. We answer some
Understanding Declarations of Trust for Property Protection
If you have an interest in a property but your name is not on the title deeds, a declaration of trust can offer protecti
First Time Buyers: 5 Essential Tips for a Successful Home Purchase
Buying your first home is an exciting time, but it can also be daunting. We outline our five top tips for first time buy
What can delay exchange of contracts?
If you are buying or selling a property, it can be frustrating to find that the exchange of contracts has been delayed.
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill aims to make leasehold fairer
The government has announced that it intends to make it cheaper and simpler for leaseholders to purchase the freehold of
Freehold v Leasehold. Make sure you know what you are buying.
If you are thinking of purchasing a property, it is vital you know what tenure it is as this can affect both its value a
No Fault Evictions Checklist
It is still up for debate whether the long-awaited abolition of “no-fault” evictions will happen this year. Whilst we al
Adverse possession explained
Adverse possession, sometimes referred to as squatting, can give someone legal ownership of land if they have occupied i
Government grants of £7,500 available for heat pumps
The government is promoting the installation of heat pumps in homes to replace boilers, with vouchers being offered to h
Landlords leaving the rental sector
As tenants struggle to find suitable and affordable properties to rent, the number of landlords is declining as many are
What happens if you have lost your title deeds and want to sell your home?
If you are thinking of selling your home, you may be concerned if you do not know where your title deeds are. We take a
Why do I need a drainage and water report?
For house and flat buyers, a drainage and water report is always recommended and it is also usually a requirement of the
Energy efficient homes hold their value better
Research carried out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found that despite a fall in the average
How to get your paperwork in order before selling your home
If you are planning on selling your home, getting all of your paperwork in order upfront can help you avoid delays later
Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, explained
We take a look at Energy Performance Certificates, including why you need one, where you can get one and what they mean.
Transferring a Property into Joint Names
Due to the blended society we live in, there could be a million and one reasons why the property we live in may only be
Right to manage v collective enfranchisement?
If you own a leasehold flat, you may want to end your landlord’s involvement in running the property. There are two main
Stamp Duty changes September 2022 explained
In September 2022, the Chancellor announced changes to rates of Stamp Duty payable on property purchases in England and
How does a gifted deposit for a house purchase work?
With house prices continuing to make buying a first home difficult, many people are given money towards the purchase by
First time buyer questions answered
If you are planning on buying your first home, you probably have many questions. The process can be confusing and it is
Adding a conservatory or extension to your property?
If you are thinking of adding a conservatory or extension to your property, you need to be aware of the rules and regula
What you need to know about changes to leasehold legislation
Long-awaited reforms to law surrounding leasehold property will start to take effect in 2022 as the government seeks to
Storm damage. Who pays?
With UK weather becoming more extreme, homeowners are having to deal with an increase in damage caused by trees and fenc
Japanese knotweed and Property – new guidance issued
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published new advice for professional valuers and surveyors aime
Buying a house? Laceys guide to property searches.
A property is a big investment and it is important to ensure that there will not be any nasty surprises in the future. S
Thinking of buying a property with a domestic septic tank?
Many properties will be connected to mains drainage but this is not always the case. Have a read of our tips below to co
What is Conveyancing? 5 key stages of conveyancing explained.
Conveyancing is essentially the process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. However, to en
Moving Home? Laceys top 5 tips on how to choose the right Conveyancer.
Moving house can be complicated, with many people referring to it as ‘the most stressful time in their lifes’. Choose th