Court Dismisses Claim in Student Accommodation Valuation Dispute: Lessons on Surveyor Negligence
This dispute involves surveyor negligence the valuation of a derelict site in Aberdeen, intended for redevelopment into Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The project was to be carried out by a special purpose vehicle, which was granted a 170-year lease of the site. The lease’s ground rent terms are central to the case. The Claimant […]
Key Announcements from the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper
Yesterday (12/05/2025), the UK government published a significant immigration white paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System. The white paper outlines a broad package of immigration reforms aimed at reducing the recent record levels of net migration and rebalancing the system in favour of high-skilled workers who contribute the most to economic growth. They […]
Adverse possession: when to register your rights
Adverse possession, often referred to as squatter’s rights, is a legal doctrine in England and Wales that allows an individual to claim ownership of land they have occupied without the owner’s consent, provided they meet certain conditions. One such condition, found in Paragraph 5(4)(c) of Schedule 6 of the Land Registration Act 2002, requires the […]
UK Visas and Immigration System Hit By Outage! What are the Implications and Solutions?
Yesterday’s (08/05/2025) UKVI system outage created significant challenges for visa applicants, particularly those with imminent expiration dates. As an experienced immigration lawyer, I’ve seen first hand how technical failures can have life-altering consequences for those navigating the UK’s immigration process. Understanding Yesterday’s UKVI System Failure The UK Visas and Immigration online application portal experienced a […]
UK-India Trade Deal Announced – What Does it Mean for Business and Immigration?
The recently concluded UK-India Trade Deal marks a significant milestone in the post-Brexit era, offering substantial opportunities for businesses and professionals in both nations. The deal marks the biggest trade agreement by the UK with another country since Brexit, while India described it as “the most comprehensive free trade deal” that it had entered into. […]
The Case of XW and the Importance of a Medico Legal Report
We recently represented a client in an asylum appeal where the appeal was allowed on Refugee Convention grounds. However, this was not without difficulties. Keep reading to learn more about the case and the importance of a medico legal report. Limited time to prepare the case When our client first approached us, there was roughly […]
Landlord and Leasehold Certificates – What Are They?
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) introduced leaseholder protection measures to ensure the safety of high-rise residential buildings. The government has committed to protecting leaseholders from the unfair burden of remediation costs to make their home safe. This article outlines the key components of landlord and leaseholder certificates, both of which are important terminology […]
A Legal Guide to Selling Freehold Commercial Properties
Freehold commercial properties are often sold in two forms: vacant and subject to leases. In each scenario, there are important aspects to consider, including marketability, planning permissions, disclosure obligations, VAT implications, and statutory compliances. It is difficult to say which type of property is more popular on the market. A vacant property provides flexibility for […]
Court of Appeal Emphasises that Unlawful Presence Undermines Article 8 Claims
In a significant judgment, the Court of Appeal criticised the First-tier Tribunal (FtT) for allowing an appeal on family and private life grounds, despite the appellant’s prolonged unlawful residence in the United Kingdom. The Court held that the FtT has failed to properly consider the weight that should be given to immigration status when assessing […]
What do you need to be aware of when you buy a leasehold property with a mortgage?
When applying for a mortgage on a leasehold property, lenders apply stringent scrutiny to the terms of the lease and focus on the safety documents of the property. Below are some of the most common – and often overlooked – issues that can delay or render your mortgage application to be rejected when buying a […]