Comment
Ring in the new year
In his first Comment of 2018, Property Section chair Warren Gordon looks at the year ahead for residential and commercial property solicitors – and how the Section can help
Features
The green light
From April 2018, new regulations will make it significantly harder for landlords to rent property with an energy efficiency rating below ‘E’. Warren Gordon looks at the lease drafting implications, and potential exemptions from the new requirements
Taxing matters
David McDowell of HMRC outlines the key changes in force from 22 November 2017 to stamp duty land tax and the annual tax on enveloped dwellings
Top of the hill
Duncan Wood talks to Hillyer McKeown’s head of commercial property, Caroline Jones, about how her firm is winning awards for its innovative approach to IT in its conveyancing practice
Just desserts
How many times have you heard from a client the words ‘I just need your signature’? But beware. Taking declarations and swearing affidavits may simply not be cost-effective, but other, similar activities, may contain significant risk. Peter Rodd explains
Committee to memory
Russell Hewitson, chair of the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee since September, outlines the work of the committee and its upcoming priorities
Common sense?
The government’s recent announcement about setting ground rents for new leasehold houses and flats to zero may make commonhold a more attractive prospect than it has ever been since its commencement in 2004. James Driscoll explains.
Think tank
Clients who are buying or selling a house with a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant need to know about the relevant regulations and their implications – which could include immediate and ongoing costs. William Marriott explains
Coded message
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is set to introduce a new handbook regime, and the changes are the most significant since 2011. Property professionals face some of the most controversial changes. Paul Bennett outlines the proposals and their impact
A site to behold
Karen Lee provides a step-by-step guide to the role of the developer’s conveyancer, from site acquisition to plot sale
Within reason
Recent case law and regulations confirm that local planning authorities must give reasons for either granting planning permission or refusing to grant it. Anna Russell-Knee explains what this means for those wanting to challenge a planning decision