Comment
Risky business
With the sobering news in January that 136 firms have folded, having failed to obtain professional indemnity insurance, Peter Rodd explains how firms could better manage risk to avoid becoming another statistic.
Features
Beyond repair
The changes to chancel repair liability are now almost five months old, but there remains little clarity about their impact in practice. Jennifer Slade investigates, and members of the Property Section executive committee provide their own perspectives
Statement of play
Hannah Collins provides an update on some of the property-related measures announced in the Autumn Statement 2013, and how they will affect clients – and their advisers – including charities, foreign investors and residential and commercial landlords
A helping hand
The Help to Buy scheme launched almost one year ago, but many solicitors have still not had to deal with it in practice. Kathryn Taylor explains what it is, how it works, and the solicitor’s role within it
Going under
Iain Miller looks at the risks of giving or relying on undertakings, outlines enforcement options, and considers the impact of outcomes-focused regulation
Park life
The Mobile Homes Act 2013 introduced a new compulsory system for the buying and selling of mobile homes. Neil Miller provides a beginner’s guide to the act and what it means for this small, but important, community – and those who advise them
Separate but equal
In the second of our series of articles in association with Land Registry, Richard Heaney looks at the use of notices and restrictions to protect third party interests in land and property when a marriage or civil partnership ends
Great distress
April sees the introduction of commercial rent arrears recovery, replacing the common law remedy of distress. But the new regime is significantly more limited in scope, and could spell real problems for commercial landlords. Warren Gordon explains
Allow me
On 1 April, the capital allowances regime will change, with potential implications for every buyer and seller of commercial property. Clive Curd provides a step-by-step guide for solicitors acting for either party
Lease is the word
Residential leasehold law can sometimes be a complex area of the law to navigate. Anthony Essien explains how the Leasehold Advisory Service can help guide leaseholders, landlords and lawyers alike
First place
The old, much criticised leasehold tribunal system was replaced last summer by the new Property Chamber of the First-Tier Tribunal. Michael Donnellan explains the key differences and practical points for landlord and tenant solicitors
