Comment
A chunk of change
Warren Gordon looks at some key changes affecting property practitioners, including the government’s plans to reform leasehold
Features
On the right foot
In the first in a series on what property solicitors need to know about different phases of the development process, Gavin Le Chat looks at the importance of a site inspection and other preliminary investigations
Moving on
In the second of a two-part series on complaints, Rebecca Atkinson looks at what steps you should be taking when a complaint has been received, and how best to resolve complaints to avoid them reaching the Legal Ombudsman
The fine print
In November, real estate company Deutsche Wohnen SE was hit with a fine of €14.5m under the General Data Protection Regulation. Clare Harman Clark looks at the role of property solicitors in helping their clients abide by the regulation
Star gazing
Michael Garson outlines some of the key features of the new regulatory environment, following the introduction of the new SRA Standards and Regulations
At your service
Julie Blunsom explains how HM Land Registry’s two new services – the Pre-submission Enquiry Service and Application Management Service – work in practice, and how you can find out more
Clear water
If you are acting for a buyer of a property on a water course, do you know the rights they might have, and the liabilities that might arise? Richard Bagwell outlines the principles
Digital watch
Richard Oliphant looks at the emergence of cloud-based digital signatures. He argues that this development should help to allay concerns about the cross-border validity and enforcement of electronic signatures, and establish a new standard for executing client transactions
Intelligence gathering
Emotional intelligence can be a leader’s greatest asset, or if ignored, their greatest risk. Dr Amanda Potter looks at why EQ matters in the workplace, and how you can develop yours
Chapter and reverse
The construction VAT reverse charge comes into force this October. Ronan Lowney and Michelle Essen explain the changes and what those involved in construction and development need to do next
Environmental cost
From April 2020, it will be unlawful to continue to let a residential property with an energy performance certificate rating below E. Warren Gordon provides a timely update on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Home fee
Richard Mathias looks at the current state of referral fees in the property sector. What effect have they had in practice? Why is a ban on referral fees being considered? And how can the existing system be improved?