Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: What the Proposed Changes Mean for Leaseholders
Following the recent announcement on the proposed ground rent cap, the Government has published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. The move signals a major shift in how flats will be owned and managed in England and Wales and an intention to end the “feudal leasehold system”. Although the Bill is […]
Prenuptial Agreements: Why They Matter and How to Get Them Right
Relationship breakdown is rarely tidy. Even where two people want to be reasonable, financial issues can quickly become the hardest part to resolve. Who brought what into the relationship, what did family members contribute, what happens if one person takes time out of work, or did the couple move into a home owned by one […]
Are Surrogacy Payments a Form of Capital or Income?
This represents a significant Upper Tribunal decision on the subject of surrogacy payments. In PQ v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2026] UKUT 1 (AAC), the Tribunal was asked to determine if contractual payments made to a surrogate mother for expenses constitute “income” for means-tested benefits, such as income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). The […]
Visa-Free Travel to China for UK Citizens Announced
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Beijing, the first by a British leader in eight years, has delivered several practical agreements that strengthen UK-China economic ties. As a law firm serving a large Chinese client base in the UK, we welcome these steps, which could ease cross-border business and create new opportunities. China has […]
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Requirements: An Essential Consideration in Lease Transactions
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides an assessment of the energy efficiency of a building or property. It is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 and must be obtained and maintained by the landlord of the property. This article explains the current rules […]
£250 Ground Rent Cap: What Leaseholders in England and Wales Need to Know
In a move to overhaul one of the most criticised features of the English and Welsh housing system, the UK government has announced that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year for existing leasehold properties. The ground rent cap forms a central plank in the forthcoming draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, which […]
Water Leak Disputes Between Neighbours in England
Water leak disputes between neighbouring properties are a common issue in English property law, particularly in terraced houses, semi-detached properties, and blocks of flats. Such disputes usually arise where water escapes from one property and causes damage to an adjoining or underlying property, including dampness, mould, or structural damage. Liability for a water leak Liability […]
Probate Explained: Key Steps, Grants of Representation and Inheritance Tax
As winter takes hold, seasonal illnesses such as influenza once again become an unwelcome but familiar part of life. Each year, the winter flu places added pressure on families, the NHS, and workplaces alike, often emerging abruptly and disrupting daily routines. While most people recover within a few weeks, the colder months also remind us […]
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Your Service Charges or Ground Rent?
Many leaseholders do not realise just how serious it can be if they fall behind on their service charges or ground rent. These are regular payments owed under the lease. They are often treated like a bill to be paid when convenient, but in law, they are essential terms of your lease agreement. If you […]
Home Buying and Selling Reform Explained – What the Government’s Proposals Could Mean for You
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. However, the current property transaction process is often criticised for being slow, unpredictable and costly, with too many transactions falling through late in the process. Unlike some other countries, property transactions in England and Wales are not legally binding […]