Guide to Buying a New Build Home
Many people like new build properties, as they are tailored to modern living, offering the latest energy-efficient features, customisable finishes, and warranties that provide peace of mind for years to come that are tailored to modern living. This article is written by Solicitor Cassandra Ngu to provide a general introduction to the process of buying […]
Gig economy employers forced to conduct right to work checks
As part of their desire to control immigration and clamp down on illegal working, the UK government is introducing requirements for companies in the gig economy to carry out checks ensuring that their workers have the right to work in the UK. For the first time, these checks will bring such employers in line with […]
Woman falsely accused of being dead in highly unusual probate case: Ashimola v Samuel
Imagine finding out you’ve been declared legally dead – and someone else now controls your property. This unsettling scenario unfolded in the case of Ashimola & Anor v Samuel & Anor [2025] EWHC 502 (Ch), where the High Court unravelled a calculated and deeply troubling fraud. A British woman, Ms June Ashimola, was falsely declared […]
Is the Home Office obligated to conduct an impact assessment before revoking a sponsor licence?
On 11 March 2025, the Court of Appeal in Prestwick Care Ltd & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWCA Civ 184 confirmed that the Home Office has no obligation to conduct an impact assessment before revoking a sponsor licence. For serious breaches, revocation is mandatory, and […]
Repair obligations – who is responsible for repairs, the landlord or tenant?
Disrepair issues are a common and significant concern in landlord and tenant relationships. Water leakage and the presence of mould are among the most common disrepair issues complained about by tenants. Meanwhile, disputes concerning property condition, defects, and repair obligations can quickly escalate and lead to litigation. Repair obligations are therefore important to take into […]
Major UK Visa Fees Increase from April 2025 – What You Need to Know
This month’s so-called “Awful April” has seen bill rises for millions across the country. For those planning to apply for a UK visa, this is no exception. The UK government has announced that, from 9th April 2025, multiple visa categories’ Home Office fees will increase, including visitor visas, family visas, and indefinite leave to remain. […]
Case Study – Successfully Disputing Business Rates and Penalty
We recently successfully assisted a commercial leaseholder client who was disputing Business Rates bills exceeding £70,000 for a commercial property. Despite the client being the occupier on the record, on evidence provided, the council agreed that they were not liable for the bills. Background and Reasoning The client previously operated a restaurant at the premises. […]
A Win for Taxpayers for Multiple Dwellings Relief against HMRC
This appeal involves Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and the eligibility for Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) on the acquisition of a residential property for £1.8 million. The appellant asserted that the property comprised two dwellings and was eligible for MDR, while HMRC argued it is a single dwelling. The Issue and the Law […]
UK Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: 100 New Agents and Tougher Enforcement Unveiled
On August 21, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, unveiled a series of robust measures aimed at strengthening UK border security and crack down on illegal immigration. These initiatives are designed to dismantle and disrupt organised immigration crime networks while ensuring that the country’s immigration and asylum rules are strictly enforced. Immediate Recruitment of […]
Undue Influence and Testamentary Capacity in Wills: Insights from Langley v Qin
For a will to be legally valid, the testator (the person making the will) must have the mental capacity to do so, intend to make a will, and adhere to the required legal formalities. While compliance with these formalities can often be verified by reviewing the will, assessing the testator’s mental ability (known as testamentary […]
