More Features and Opinion – Page 13
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Feature
The green stuff
It is nearly a year since the minimum energy efficiency standard regime came into force. Sue Highmore reflects on its effect on residential clients – including the financial impact – and outlines changes coming into force on 1 April 2019
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Feature
The best intentions
The recent case of S Franses Ltd v The Cavendish Hotel, which hinged on whether the landlord had the intention of redeveloping a property, has significant implications for commercial landlords and tenants. Kate Andrews explains
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Feature
Plus ça change…
Purrunsing, P&P and Dreamvar were the big news in conveyancing last year. But, Peter Rodd asks, were they anything new, or did they just reiterate the ongoing need for constant vigilance?
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Feature
All present and correct
Katie Gordon-Smith outlines the steps Land Registry is taking to improve requisition rates, and the role of solicitors in achieving this goal
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Feature
Taking charge
From April, new regulatory requirements for service charges for commercial property will come into force. Warren Gordon outlines the changes, and what they mean for existing leases
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Feature
Shifting sands
PII is in flux. The market is hardening, free post-run-off cover is ceasing, regulatory changes will introduce classes of solicitor with less or no cover, and proposed changes could reduce minimum cover. Steve Ray and Jenny Screech round up the changes, and the likely effects
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Feature
Mending fences
Newspapers are always full of stories of escalating disputes between neighbours. But nuisance doesn’t need to be about noise – as shown by a recent case on Japanese knotweed. Richard Bagwell provides a short guide to remedies for nuisance
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News
Law Society updates Code for Completion by Post
The Law Society has published the latest version of the Code for Completion by Post. It will take effect from 1 May 2019
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Feature
You should know better
Wayne Johnson explains how elements of the know-your-client process could be automated to reduce costs, increase productivity, free up human experts to apply their experience and judgement, and protect firms against money laundering
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Feature
Party politics
With residential extensions becoming more popular, conveyancers are more likely to encounter works authorised under the Party Wall Act 1996. Andrew Smith explains how the act works and offers some practice points
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Feature
Capital idea
The rule around exemption from capital gains tax on our homes seems simple, but actually has a number of complexities. Jim Meakin explains
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Feature
Brick by brick
Self- and custom-build are becoming increasingly common. Charlie Blagbrough argues that this development could reinject diversity into house building and supply, and explains how the lending process works in this market
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Feature
After the fire
Following the Grenfell fire, freeholders and leaseholders are facing significant difficulties in ensuring their homes are safe and that defective cladding is replaced. Oliver Pannell provides an update on the government’s response and recent case law
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Feature
Street smarts
HM Land Registry is working to harness technology to improve the homebuying process for both the public and solicitors. Eddie Davies provides an update on its digital projects, including Digital Street
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Feature
Winning streak
Conveyancing firm AVRillo has received a host of industry awards and effusive praise on consumer review websites. Co-founder and partner Angelo Piccirillo explains the secrets of its success to Duncan Wood
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Feature
Support system
Russell Hewitson, chair of the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee, provides an update on the committee’s work representing and supporting the profession, including around leasehold, fraud and the electronic execution of documents
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Feature
Setting off
How can conveyancing solicitors turn one-off property transactions into fruitful, long-term relationships for their firm? Rachel Brushfield provides a beginner’s guide to cross-referring between practice areas.
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Feature
The twilight zone
Practitioners acting for purchasers in commercial property transactions face a challenge around finding out if the seller is insolvent. Amanda Eilledge explains the situation and proposes a potentially controversial solution
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Opinion
Cleaning house
The government has turned its eye to change in the residential housing sector, from ensuring sufficient supply, to addressing escalating ground rents. Warren Gordon explains