Going, Going, Gone! What to Watch Out for at Property Auctions
Property auctions can be an exciting way to secure a great deal, but they also come with risks. Whether you are bidding in a traditional or modern auction, it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls to avoid costly mistakes. Traditional vs Modern Auctions Traditional auctions take place in person or online, […]
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. […]
Section 202 Housing Act Review: Ensuring Fairness and Protecting Children’s Welfare
Section 202 of the Housing Act 1996 provides applicants with the right to request a review of certain decisions made by housing authorities regarding homelessness assistance. This statutory provision ensures that individuals can challenge decisions they believe are incorrect or unfair, thereby promoting fairness and accountability within the housing system. How can applicants request a […]
Can children be returned to another state before their asylum claim has been determined?
On 28 February 2025, Mr Justice Garrido ruled that children can be returned to another State before their asylum claims are determined, provided the principle of non-refoulement is upheld. The decision in Kent County Council v (1) Ek (2) Sk (3) Mik & (4) Mak (By Their Children’s Guardian) the Secretary of State for the […]
What do you need to consider before buying a commercial leasehold property in the UK?
If you are looking to buy a commercial leasehold property as an existing business in the UK, keep reading. While buying commercial leasehold properties as an existing business can be a promising but more affordable investment starting point, like any investment, it also comes with issues that buyers should consider thoroughly before making a decision. […]
Home Office Publishes Videos to Help Migrants in Transitioning to the eVisa System
Since March 2024, the Home Office has been gradually contacting migrants in the UK, inviting them to create a UKVI account and obtain an eVisa. This is part of the UK’s plan to fully switch to the eVisa system in 2025. So far, over four million visa holders have successfully set up their accounts and […]
Home Buyers Protection Insurance – do you need it when purchasing a property?
Imagine, for a moment, that you are all set to buy your dream home. You’ve found the perfect house, negotiated the price, and had your offer accepted. Out of nowhere though, the deal falls through. Perhaps the seller changed their mind about selling, or you are faced with an involuntary redundancy out of the blue. […]
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 […]