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 […]
Help! I am in a Property Chain. What does this mean?
Imagine that you have just put an offer in on your dream house. Before you know it, you’re thinking about how long it will be until you can move in, and then a bombshell hits – the Estate Agent informs you that there is a “Property Chain”. What is a property chain? […]
Common Intention Matters – Even When One Party is Not Named in the Property Title Deed
Property ownership disputes often arise when one party’s name is not listed on the title deed, yet both parties believe they have a rightful claim to the property. The legal principle of common intention constructive trust plays a crucial role in resolving such disputes, recognizing that contributions and mutual understanding can establish ownership rights. This […]
‘Citizenship Ban’ is Over: Nationality Caseworker Guidance Updated
The Home Office has revised its nationality caseworker guidance following the Illegal Migration Act 2023 (Amendment) Regulations 2024, annulling the previous British citizenship ban. This ban prevented individuals who had met certain criteria related to illegal entry from ever obtaining British citizenship. It was introduced by the Conservative government in 2023 and meant […]
The Significance of Security of Tenure in Commercial Lease Disputes
In the UK, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 provides security of tenure for commercial tenants, protecting them from being evicted without due process. However, the interpretation and application of this security of tenure can become complex, particularly when the terms of occupancy are under dispute, as illustrated in the recent case between Arapina Bakery […]
How Can Small Businesses Protect Themselves from Online Defamation?
With the rapid spread of information via digital media, both accurate and misleading content can quickly go viral. This poses a significant risk for small businesses, particularly those in niche markets such as traditional medicine, takeaway food, or specialty goods, where reputational damage in the form of online defamation can severely impact a business’ viability […]
Victory for Bangladeshi-Born Man in British Citizenship Case After Initially Being Refused a British Passport
In a landmark decision, the Administrative Court has upheld a claimant’s judicial review challenge against being refused a British passport by HM Passport Office. The claimant, born in Bangladesh to a British citizen father by descent, had his right to British citizenship confirmed. Background The case, R (on the application of Islam) […]
Buying an Auction Property? The Pros and Cons in Full
Other from traditional property sales, property auctions are considered another effective way to sell and acquire properties in the UK. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 652,000 homes were sold in England and Wales in 2020, with around 18,000-20,000 of those residential properties sold by auction. This accounts for 2.2% of total […]
