More Features and Opinion – Page 5
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FeatureChecks and balances
Upcoming tax changes may lead more private property investors to incorporate. Susan Winter and Tony Lake look at the pros and cons of each structure, and what conveyancers need to know when acting for a corporate client as a property investor
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FeatureCounting the cost
Clients purchasing leasehold property may not realise how expensive the process can be, with the range and proliferation of fees payable to managing agents and leaseholders. Sarah Dwight outlines the problem and the role of the conveyancer
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FeatureSailing through
The Conveyancing Protocol has been in place for over five years, but there are still common areas of non-compliance on both sides of transactions. Sarah Dwight outlines these areas, and the steps solicitors should take
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FeatureThe line of duty
The new higher stamp duty land tax rate for additional properties came into effect on 1 April 2016. Nigel Popplewell outlines how the changes apply to purchasers of residential property
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OpinionHoming in on fraud
Nicholas Gurney-Champion considers a recent Treasury paper that outlines wide-ranging modernisation plans for the home-buying process, and a High Court judgment that found conveyancers on both sides of a property transaction liable to a defrauded buyer
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FeatureBreathing room
As of 20 June 2016, the deadline for telegraphic transfers of funds – also known as CHAPs payments – will be extended by one hour and 40 minutes. Thom Wilkinson explains the implications of the change for practitioners
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FeatureSpringing into action
Warren Gordon provides an update on the work of the Law Society’s Conveyancing and Land Law Committee this spring, including around Land Registry privatisation, short-form leases and the Mortgage Credit Directive
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FeatureRain check
The long-awaited Flood Re scheme is now planned to come into force next month. Russell Hewitson outlines how the scheme will work, what properties are eligible, and how to advise clients living in flood-risk areas
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FeatureHome and away
Clients may not realise how complicated it can be to buy or inherit a property abroad. Jo Summers looks at the issues involved and the impact of the new EU regulation on succession
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FeaturePlaying it safe
Conveyancing continues to generate a significant number of professional indemnity insurance claims. Mark Carver looks at the reasons why, and the steps firms can take to mitigate their risk exposure
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FeatureTo have and to hold
The vehicle through which property is held has major implications for its tax treatment, especially following recent changes. Adrian Benosiglio and Gary Heynes provide a beginner’s guide.
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FeatureOne step ahead
In the first article of our series focusing on fraud, Peter Rodd provides a practitioner’s perspective on fraud in residential conveyancing and practical steps to mitigate the risk.
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OpinionThe main event
Ian White outlines what members can expect from this year’s National Property Law Conference on 9 October
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FeatureSoluble problem
Fiona Pearson outlines the facts of a recent case involving an insolvent seller, and provides a practical guide to the role and duties of the conveyancer in advising a buyer where the seller is insolvent
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FeatureParty politics
Matthew Hearsum provides a back-to-basics guide for residential conveyancers to the Party Wall Act, including steps in relation to party walls that should be taken when acting for buyers
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FeatureIn the line of duty
There have been significant changes to stamp duty land tax in the past four years, from the introduction of a new 15% rate, to complex new rules on subsales. Paul Clark provides an overview of the changes
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FeatureSit up and take notice
Notices to complete are becoming more common in the newly buoyant property market, in which clients on both sides are eager to complete quickly. Richard Bagwell explains what they are and how they work
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FeatureSupply and demand
New consumer rights legislation, likely to come into force within the year, will have implications for all suppliers to consumers – including solicitors. David Pett outlines the new regime, and the actions conveyancers need to take
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FeatureWater line
The new Flood Re scheme, covering insurance for properties at risk of flooding, is expected to come into force in July. Jo Morgan looks at recent developments to the scheme, and outlines practice points for practitioners