New Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 733

On 12 March 2025, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 733, with amendments taking effect between 12 March and 13 August 2025. Key updates include new visa requirements for nationals from Trinidad and Tobago, changes to the Skilled Worker route, Ukraine Schemes, EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), and more.

Keep reading to learn more about the changes and how they could affect you.

Visit visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals

From 15:00 GMT on 12 March 2025, Trinidad and Tobago nationals require a visa to visit or transit the UK (unless exceptions apply), due to a significant rise in asylum claims.

Nevertheless, nationals with confirmed travel bookings and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may enter the UK without a visa until 15:00 on 23 April 2025.

Skilled Worker Route changes

Care Worker Recruitment

Sponsors must attempt to recruit from the existing pool of overseas care workers already in the UK before offering roles to new overseas applicants or those from other immigration routes. Confirmation from regional/sub-regional partnerships showing that recruitment from this pool has been attempted and no suitable workers were available will be required.

Minimum Salary Threshold

The lowest salary threshold increases from £23,200 to £25,000 per year, in line with the National Living Wage rise in April 2025. Some going rates in healthcare and education are also revised.

Salary Deductions

New rules ensure salary deductions align with paid allowances. Sponsorship costs cannot be recovered from applicants. Loopholes allowing applicants to fund their own salary via investments in the sponsor’s business are closed.

New Entrants

Salary reductions for new entrants are only available if training towards a recognised UK professional qualification.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) validity

Under the new sponsorship IT system, a CoS will be valid for 90 days (previously three months).

Ukraine Schemes

Children under 18 can apply to extend leave if initially granted outside the Immigration Rules to join parents with Ukraine Scheme permission;
Step-parents are no longer recognised as parents under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme;
From 13 February 2025, Ukrainian nationals will need entry clearance to travel to the UK. The variation process ends on 13 August 2025.

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Expired BRCs and BRPs

Non-EEA nationals can use BRCs/BRPs that has expired by up to 18 months for identity verification, without re-enrolling biometrics.

Pending Administrative Reviews

Individuals awaiting EUSS administrative reviews who have not left the UK will not be removed (except those on immigration bail).

Post-transition Citizens

Those who became EU/EEA/Swiss citizens after the transition period cannot sponsor family permit applications.

Suitability Refusals

Applicants may be refused on suitability grounds without a deportation/exclusion order if their conduct before the transition period meets the EU law public policy threshold. In addition, the threshold of ‘serious grounds’ of public policy or security will need to be met where applicants have/are eligible for indefinite leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

Trinidad and Tobago nationals are no longer eligible for ETA from 15:00 GMT on 12 March 2025;
Exemptions apply to French school group children;
British Nationals (Overseas) are exempt from ETA requirements.

Global Talent and Prestigious Prizes Routes

Updates reflect changes requested by Arts Council England, Pact, British Fashion Council, and RIBA;
Digital technology applicants no longer require an external form;
Golden Globe awards renamed in line with current titles used by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Other changes

Some of the other changes of note included the following:

Annual updates made to the Permit Free Festival List and Youth Mobility Scheme annual quotas;
Child Student Safeguarding provisions updated, including nominated guardians and living arrangements;
Where there is an error in the conditions or time period in a grant of permission, individuals will no longer have to submit an administrative review but to submit an ‘error correction grant’ free of charge for both out-of-country and in-country applications;
PhD students can be exempt from Academic Progress requirements if they are following their academic supervisor to another education sponsor to complete their studies, allowing them to switch sponsors within the UK without leaving;
List of disability-related benefits and documents accepted as evidence of divorce in the UK will be updated;
Provisions for Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist training will be removed from the Student route as access to these programmes is now provided via the Skilled Worker route;
4 new Scottish benefits will be designated as public funds for immigration purposes to ensure a consistent approach to migrants’ access to benefits across the UK;
New ‘genuine intention to study’ requirement will be added to Appendix Short-term Student (English language).

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Sumit Singh

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Case Study: How to Overcome Family Visit Visa Refusals and Secure Approval

We recently received a number of enquiries from clients who faced UK family visit visa refusals on their applications, often on the grounds of “immigration intent” or issues relating to their bank statements.

Such refusals can be disheartening and disrupt long-awaited reunions with loved ones. Fortunately, with the professional assistance of Lisa’s Law, these clients have been granted their visas and successfully travelled to the UK to visit their families.

In this article, we draw from cases we have dealt with to explore the common reasons behind visitor visa refusals and share expert advice on how to avoid making the same mistakes in future applications.

Understanding the Main Reasons for Visa Refusals

To solve a problem, it is important to first understand it. Based on our experience, the Home Office typically refuses visitors visa for the following reasons:

Inconsistent or Unexplained Bank Transactions

Entry clearance officers place great emphasis on an applicant’s financial situation. A well-documented and consistent bank statement is crucial in demonstrating the ability to support oneself during a stay in the UK. Sudden large deposits or unexplained transactions close to the time of your application can raise red flags.

Advice: Provide at least six months of continuous and stable bank statements. If large deposits are present, include clear documentation to explain their source to avoid suspicion.

Weak Ties to Your Home Country

The Home Office must be convinced that applicants have strong social and economic ties to their home country and that they will return after their visit. Failing to demonstrate these ties may lead to the assumption that the applicant intends to overstay or even settle in the UK.

Advice: Submit documents such as property ownership certificates, employment contracts, evidence of close family members residing in the applicant’s home country, or school records of dependent children. These can help illustrate commitments back home.

Unreasonably Long Proposed Stay

If the duration of an applicant’s intended stay appears excessive for the purpose of a family visit or tourism, it may raise doubts about their true intentions.

Advice: Suggest a reasonable length of stay and provide supporting documents such as return flight bookings, employer leave approvals, or academic commitments, to show you intend to leave the UK as planned.

Suspected Immigration Intent

If an applicant’s submission lacks coherence, is poorly documented, or fails to clearly demonstrate the purpose of the visit and the intention to return, the Home Office may suspect underlying immigration motives. This risk is particularly high if the proposed stay is lengthy, the applicant’s financial situation is unclear, or their ties to their home country appear weak.

Advice:

Clearly state the purpose of the applicant’s visit. If an applicant is visiting family, include an invitation letter, proof of the inviter’s lawful stay in the UK, and documents showing the relationship with them.
Emphasise the intent to return. Supporting evidence may include a return ticket, proof of employment, family obligations, or academic commitments in applicant’s home country.
Ensure the documents are truthful, complete, and consistent. Any discrepancies may be interpreted as a risk factor.

Supporting Documents

The Home Office verifies the authenticity of all documents submitted – including bank statements, employment verification, and other supporting evidence. If any materials are found to be false, not only will the visa application be refused, but the applicant may also face a 10-year ban from entering the UK.

Advice:
All supporting documents must be genuine and translated in full by a certified translation agency, bearing an official stamp. Bank statements should be obtained directly from the bank and translated by an accredited agency with an official stamp. Employer letters must be printed on official company letterhead and signed by the employer or HR manager. Never submit forged or altered documents, as doing so may result in serious consequences, including a visa refusal and a potential 10-year ban from entering the UK.

What to Do If Your Visa Has Been Refused?

Being refused a visa does not mean you cannot apply again successfully. The key is to carefully review the refusal notice and address the specific issues raised. Every case is unique, and we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice before reapplying. A tailored application strategy will significantly improve your chances of success.

Final thoughts

We understand that every visa application carries the deep emotional weight of wanting to reunite with family. At Lisa’s Law, we have years of experience assisting clients with UK visa applications, including those who have previously been refused.

Whether you are applying for the first time or have faced a refusal in the past, we are here to provide you with professional, one-on-one support throughout your application journey.

If you have any questions regarding immigration or visa matters, feel free to contact Lisa’s Law for expert advice and assistance. We are here to help.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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Sumit Singh

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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, with buyers bidding in real-time. If you win, you must pay 10% deposit immediately and complete the purchase within 28 days. This method is fast but requires buyers to have their finances ready.

Modern auctions are usually online and allow buyers a longer timeframe. Instead of an immediate deposit, the winning bidder pays a reservation fee (usually non-refundable) and then has 56 days to complete the purchase. This gives the buyers more time to arrange financing but comes with additional fees.

Key Things to Watch Out For When Bidding

Research the Property Thoroughly

Before bidding, check the property’s market value, condition and location. Auction guide prices can be misleading – some properties are priced low to attract bidders.

Get a Survey and Legal Checks

Once the hammer falls, you are legally bound. You cannot back out of the deal. . Arrange for a survey to check for structural issues and have a solicitor review the legal pack for any hidden problems, like disputes or outstanding charges before you start bidding, so that you know what you are bidding for.

Stick to Your Budget

It is easy to get caught in a bidding war. Set a maximum price and factor in extra costs such as stamp duty, renovation expenses and auction fees.

Understand the Fees

Auction properties often come with buyer’s premiums, administration fees and reservation fees. Read the fine print to avoid unexpected costs.

Have Your Finances Ready

For traditional auctions, you need immediate funds. For modern auctions, you have more time, but failure to complete could mean losing your reservation fee.

Final thoughts

By understanding these differences and ensuring you have expert legal guidance, you can make a smart property investment while avoiding costly mistakes. Lisa’s Law conducts thorough due diligence, reviews contracts, and identifies risks, giving you confidence in your investment. Protect your interests with our experienced team – contact us today for seamless, strategic legal support before you bid.

By Wai Ling Chin

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Sumit Singh

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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. They entered a 5-year lease in August 2012. In August 2016, due to a family emergency, the client left the country. The business partner then took over the restaurant’s operations. They then agreed to take a sublease at the premises and become responsible for rent and other expenses, while the client retained leasehold ownership.

In June 2017, the client gave authority to renew the lease, believing the partner had officially taken over the business, although the lease name was not changed. The partner later incorporated a company continue operating the same business at the premises. The business ceased operations in June 2019 and the business partner became untraceable.

The client returned to the UK in 2020 and returned the property to the Landlord. However, they discovered unpaid Business Rates bills totalling around £70,000. The client learned from the local council that the partner and the company had not paid the Business Rates bills since the original takeover. After communicating with the local authority, in August 2024, the client received a revised bill for £58,533.36, despite having returned the property in January 2020 and not being the occupier since 2016.

We argued that the bill should be directed to the business partner and to the company for the period after June 2017, and to the landlord for any period after the property was returned. The reasoning for this was that the client had not been the actual occupier for those periods of time. We submitted sufficient evidence to prove the partner and the company’s operation including bank statements, accounts for the business income.

We also provided evidence to prove that the client had left the country and had not returned until 2020. Our client could therefore not possibly be occupying the premises for the purpose of Business Rates. The council agreed with our view and concluded the client was not liable for the bill.

Points to Take

Even though the leaseholder of the business premises is usually responsible for paying these rates, in some situations they are not the actual occupier. Liability should be clearly stated in the lease agreement, or any other sub-lease or contract of occupation. As a tenant or sub-tenant, it is important to read the lease or agreement carefully and if in doubt, to seek advice from a professional on the relevant terms.

The conclusion of who pays business rates, tenant or landlord, is essentially based on occupancy and lease terms. Every case is different depending on the specific lease terms. Understanding the lease and responsibilities regarding business rates is important for both landlord and tenant.

Also, do not delaying clarifying any disputed bill, if there is any issues that do not sit right, respond earlier is better than late.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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James Cook

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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 review of decisions?

Under Section 202, applicants can request a review of decisions related to:

Their eligibility for assistance.
The duty owed to them by the housing authority.
The steps the authority will take to prevent or relieve homelessness.
The suitability of accommodation offered.

The review must be conducted by someone not involved in the original decision and senior to the original decision-maker. Applicants typically have 21 days from the notification of the decision to request a review.

When reviewing decisions under Section 202, it is crucial for housing authorities to consider the relationship between a child and their parents. This consideration ensures that the child’s welfare is prioritized and that decisions align with legal obligations under both housing and child welfare laws.

The Children Act 1989 mandates that the child’s welfare is paramount in any decisions affecting them. Housing authorities must consider this principle when making decisions that impact children. Additionally, the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2012 requires authorities to assess the suitability of accommodation concerning the needs of the household, including any children.

Case Law Example: Nzolameso v City of Westminster

The importance of considering the parent-child relationship is highlighted in the case of Nzolameso v City of Westminster [2015] UKSC 22. In this case, Ms. Nzolameso, a single mother of five, was offered accommodation far from her children’s schools and established support network. She declined the offer, leading the council to conclude that their housing duty had ended.

The Supreme Court quashed this decision, emphasizing that housing authorities must consider the best interests of the children and the family’s connections to the area when determining the suitability of accommodation. It was held that a council’s decision to house an applicant and her family outside its district was unlawful.

Implications for Housing Authorities

When conducting Section 202 reviews, housing authorities should:

Assess the Impact on Children: Evaluate how decisions affect children’s education, health, and well-being. For instance, relocating a family might disrupt a child’s schooling or access to medical care.
Maintain Stability: Strive to provide accommodation that allows children to remain in their current schools and maintain existing support networks.
Engage with Families: Consult with parents and, where appropriate, children to understand their needs and preferences.
Document Considerations: Clearly record how the children’s needs and the parent-child relationship were considered in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Incorporating a thorough assessment of the parent-child relationship in Section 202 reviews is essential for safeguarding children’s welfare and ensuring compliance with legal obligations. Often in a single parent situation, it is easy to overlook the relationship between the child with his father.

The presence of a father figure is an important element in maintaining the wellbeing of the child especially when the father wants to have regular contact with the child. By doing thorough assessment of the parent-child relationship housing authorities can make more informed, fair, and compassionate decisions that uphold the rights and wellbeing of families.

Hence, one of the takeaways here is that whenever a Local Council Housing Authority fails to consider the child’s welfare when children are involved in the application and makes an adverse decision, the applicant may seek to overturn the decision under The Children Act 1989 and under the legal principles of Nzolameso v City of Westminster

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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Sumit Singh

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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 Home Department, marks a departure from the precedent for children’s asylum claims in G v G [2021] UKSC 9, which previously prevented return orders from being enforced while a child’s asylum claim was pending.

Background of the case

Two children, aged six and nine, arrived in the UK unaccompanied after dangerously crossing from France. During the journey, they were separated from their parents.

Kent County Council placed them in foster care, while their parents, still in France, were refused entry clearance. The parents sought to challenge the refusals, and the children lodged asylum claims in the UK.

In the interim, Kent County Council initiated proceedings under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court, seeking an order for the children to be returned to France where their parents resided. The Secretary of State supported this application. Both parties argued that the current legal framework permitted the return of the children before the final determination of their asylum claims, so long as the principle of non-refoulement was not breached. They contended that G v G was no longer applicable due to subsequent changes in legislation and immigration policy.

The parents, on the other hand, opposed the return order. They argued that G v G remained binding and that the court should not implement a return order until the children’s asylum claims had been finally determined, including any appeals.

The Court’s Reasoning

The court found that G v G was based on now-repealed EU law and outdated Immigration Rules. Under current UK law, return to a safe third country (such as France) can occur before an asylum decision, provided there is no risk of persecution or breach of non-refoulement.

Justice Garrido held that France was a safe third country and ordered the children’s return despite their pending claims.

Implications

This decision signals a shift in the UK’s approach to asylum claims by children. It confirms that pending claims no longer prevent enforcement of return orders, reducing protections previously in place. The decision highlights the importance for practitioners to assess the implications of these legal changes on safeguarding children’s rights and best interests.

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Sumit Singh

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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.

Residue Lease Term

One of the main considerations when buying a commercial leasehold is the length of the residue lease term. If the remaining lease term is short, it can significantly affect your business prospects, as well as the value and potential for leasing out the property. You may find it difficult to further expand your acquired business if you have a short term left.

In most cases, assignment of the existing commercial lease is excluded from the protection of sections 24 to 28 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which means that you have no security of tenure upon expiry of the original lease term. This lack of security can be problematic, especially for long-term investments or businesses that rely on stability. You might be required to vacate the property or pay significantly higher rent, which could make it difficult to plan for the future.

Limited Control Over the Property and Constraints

As a leaseholder, you are bound by the terms of the existing lease agreement, which may include restrictions on how you can use or modify the property. Many leases contain clauses stipulating the permitted user and preventing structural changes, subletting or assigning the lease without the landlord’s consent. If you intend to change user, make improvements or changes to the property, or assign your lease to somebody else, you may have to obtain approval from the landlord and bear the costs of approval, which can be a lengthy and costly process.

Dilapidations and Repair Obligations

Commercial leases often require the leaseholder to maintain and repair the property, even if they don’t own it. The unexpected cost may pose a financial burden on you. In addition, upon the expiry of the lease, you may be required to return the property to the landlord in a certain condition, which can lead to substantial costs. These dilapidations could include repairs and maintenance of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, the replacement of floorings and/or removal of signs, fixtures or fittings.

For your own benefit, you should carefully check the lease terms and ask the landlord if there is any schedule of conditions at the commencement of the lease to avoid any future argument.

Rent Reviews

Most commercial leases include rent review clauses that allow the landlord to increase the rent periodically, often based on market rates or inflation. It can be a financial burden for the commercial leaseholder, especially if rent rises becomes too high relative to market conditions. In such situations, you may struggle to afford the increased costs, and the business could become unprofitable. Such an increase could put financial pressure on the business and affect its ability to find incoming tenant.

Conclusion

While commercial leasehold properties can offer affordable investment opportunities, buyers should always conduct thorough due diligence and carefully review lease terms. They should also be prepared to cope with potential costs related to rent increases, repair and maintenance.

Consulting with legal property experts can help mitigate certain risks and ensure that your investment is sound and sustainable over the long term. Lisa’s Law continues to deliver good outcomes to our clients, please do not hesitate to contact us should you require our assistance.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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Sumit Singh

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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 accessed their eVisas. However, around 600,000 migrants have yet to complete this process, which could cause issues when proving their immigration status or using certain services. To further promote the adoption of eVisas and assist migrants in smoothly adjusting to the new system, the Home Office has recently published a series of eVisa video guides.

Overview of the Video Guides

The newly released video guides cover three main sections. These three main areas target different groups to ensure that all relevant individuals can successfully complete their eVisa applications and confirm their immigration status.

The first section is an eVisa user guide for all migrants, providing a comprehensive introduction to eVisas. It explains key steps such as creating a UKVI account, checking and updating personal immigration information, verifying immigration status, and using the eVisa for travel. This guide aims to help migrants better manage their immigration status and ensure their legal residence rights in the UK.

The second section is designed for third-party identity verifiers, including employers, landlords, and government institutions, helping them quickly confirm migrants’ immigration status. These videos demonstrate how to use the UKVI system to verify immigration status, Right to Work, and Right to Rent, ensuring that identity checks are conducted within legal frameworks and reducing complications caused by verification issues.

The third section focuses on applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), particularly those transitioning from pre-settled to settled status. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help EU residents complete their status updates smoothly, preventing potential disruptions to their right to remain in the UK.

For full details, the video guides can be accessed on the UK Home Office website under UKVI support videos – GOV.UK.

The Impact of the eVisa Transition

With these easy-to-follow video demonstrations, migrants in the UK can more efficiently learn how to check and confirm their immigration status. While the transition to eVisas still presents certain challenges—such as incomplete registrations and occasional system issues—the move to a digital system is happening and will replace physical documents like BRP cards.

The UK Home Office is taking measures to encourage migrants to complete their eVisa applications as soon as possible while offering various support resources to facilitate the process. Those who have yet registered for their eVisa are advised to take action promptly, using the official guidance to verify and update their personal information to ensure their rights remain protected.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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Sumit Singh

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Frozen Bank Account? Here’s What You Need To Do Next

Discovering that your bank account has been frozen can be a shocking and stressful experience. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, a frozen bank account can leave you unable to access funds, pay bills, or conduct normal financial activities.

In many cases, accounts are frozen because of a police investigation, often under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). When this happens, understanding your legal rights and obligations is critical.

Why Has Your Account Been Frozen?

A bank will typically freeze an account after they detect suspicious activities with the account, for example large and unexplained inflow or outflow. An account may also be frozen when they receive a request from the police or other enforcement agency. This usually happens when there is a suspicion that the account has been used for criminal purposes, such as fraud, money laundering, or handling proceeds of crime.

Under POCA, the police can apply for an Account Freezing Order (AFO) if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that money in the account is linked to criminal activity. This is a civil matter application, meaning that it is not a criminal prosecution, but the consequences can still be severe. If the police successfully extend the freezing order, they may later apply for a Forfeiture Order, which allows them to seize the money in the account.

The Importance of Providing the Right Evidence

When an account is frozen, the account holder is often asked to provide evidence explaining the source of funds and the legitimacy of transactions. This is a critical stage, as the information provided can determine whether the account is released or whether further legal action is taken.

If you are asked to provide evidence, it is essential to be thorough and organised. You should assist the investigating agency to understand your specific circumstances. Bank statements, invoices, contracts, business records, and correspondence with clients or suppliers can all help prove that the funds in the account are legitimate. However, it is just as important to be strategic about the evidence you provide. Giving incomplete, inconsistent, or mistaken information can harm your case.

Although this is a civil application and not a criminal investigation, many people make the mistake of rushing to explain themselves without fully understanding the nature of the investigation. Anything you provide to the police at this stage can later be used in court if forfeiture proceedings are initiated. Even if you believe you are innocent, poorly presented evidence or contradictory statements can create suspicion and strengthen the case against you.

While it is important to cooperate with the authorities, doing so without legal advice can be risky. The police are not obligated to release your funds simply because you provide some evidence. If they believe there are still unanswered questions, they can apply to extend the freezing order, meaning you could be left without access to your money for months.

At the same time, outright refusal to engage with the police may be seen as suspicious and could be used as a reason to extend the order.

Seeking Legal Advice Early Can Make a Difference

Many people only seek legal help after their situation has worsened—when the freezing order has already been extended or when forfeiture proceedings are underway. By this stage, the police may have gathered significant evidence against them, making it much harder to challenge the case.

Obtaining legal advice at the first sign of trouble can help prevent mistakes and improve the chances of getting the account unfrozen quickly. A solicitor can:

Assess the situation and advise on the best response: Understanding the exact nature of the allegations is crucial before submitting any evidence.

Help prepare and present evidence effectively: A lawyer can ensure that financial records and explanations are structured in a way that strengthens your case.

Engage with the police on your behalf: Having a legal professional manage communications can prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of self-incrimination.

Challenge an extended freezing order: If the police try to extend the order, legal representation can help argue against it in court.

Final Thoughts

Having your bank account frozen is more than just an inconvenience. The way you respond in the early stages can determine whether the issue is resolved quickly or escalates into a full forfeiture case.

Providing the right evidence is essential, but doing so without legal guidance can be dangerous. A solicitor can help you navigate the situation, ensuring you cooperate with the police without compromising your rights. Seeking legal advice early is the best way to protect yourself and prevent a temporary issue from becoming a long-term financial disaster.

If your account has been frozen or you are under investigation, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Contact our legal team for expert guidance on how to protect your assets and challenge the freezing order effectively.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

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Sumit Singh

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How Does a Property Chain Transaction Work When Buying and Selling a Property?

If you’re buying and selling a property at the same time, you will likely be part of a property chain — a sequence of dependent transactions where each sale funds the next purchase. Managing a chain can be complex, and understanding how the process works, including the release mechanism, can help ensure a smoother transaction.

What Is a Property Chain?

A property chain occurs when multiple home sales and purchases are linked together. This means:

You need to sell your current home to buy your new one.
Your buyer may also be selling their property to fund their purchase.
Your seller may also be buying another property, creating a chain of transactions.

Each transaction in the chain is dependent on the others, meaning delays in one part can affect everyone involved.

How Does the Process Work?

1. Instructing a Solicitor

Since you are both selling and buying, your solicitor (hopefully us!) will handle both transactions simultaneously, ensuring that legal documents and contracts are aligned to avoid gaps in the process.

2. Agreeing on Sale and Purchase Terms

Once you have accepted an offer on your property and had your offer accepted on a new home, the legal process begins. Your solicitor will:

Review contracts for both transactions.
Carry out property searches and due diligence.
Liaise with the other solicitors in the chain to ensure everything progresses smoothly.

3. The Release Mechanism in Chain Transactions

A crucial part of managing a chain transaction is ‘the release mechanism’, which helps coordinate the exchange of contracts across multiple transactions.

If you are in the middle of a chain, your solicitor will first seek confirmation from your buyer’s solicitor that they are ready to proceed.
Once assured, your solicitor will request a ‘release’ from the solicitor acting for the person selling to you.
This means you exchange contracts on your sale first, then your solicitor immediately returns to exchange on your purchase.
This process prevents situations where you exchange on your purchase but your sale has not been finalised—reducing the risk of financial exposure.

This mechanism ensures that all transactions exchange contracts in a coordinated manner, reducing uncertainty and keeping the chain moving.

4. Exchange of Contracts

Contracts are usually exchanged simultaneously for both your sale and purchase. At this point, the transaction becomes legally binding, meaning neither party can withdraw without penalties.

5. Completion Day

On the day of completion:

The sale proceeds from your buyer are received.
These funds are used to complete your purchase.
Once all payments have been made, you hand over the keys to your buyer and collect the keys to your new home.

Potential Challenges and How to Manage Them

Delays in the Chain – One party experiencing mortgage issues, legal delays, or survey concerns can slow down the entire process. Proactive communication between solicitors helps manage expectations.
Breakdowns in the Chain – If a buyer or seller pulls out, the whole chain can collapse. Some buyers/sellers choose to move into temporary accommodation if they need to proceed with their sale but their purchase is delayed.
Same-Day Exchange and Completion – To avoid risks, some chains opt to exchange and complete on the same day, but this requires all parties to be prepared, which can be stressful.

How We Can Help

At Lisa’s Law we specialise in managing complex chain transactions efficiently. Our experienced conveyancing team will:

Coordinate the release mechanism to ensure smooth contract exchanges.
Liaise with all parties in the chain to prevent unnecessary delays.
Keep you informed throughout the process to reduce stress.

If you are buying and selling a property simultaneously, contact us today to ensure a smooth and seamless move.

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Call us on 020 7928 0276, we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

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What Is a Property Chain?

How Does the Process Work?

1. Instructing a Solicitor

2. Agreeing on Sale and Purchase Terms

3. The Release Mechanism in Chain Transactions

4. Exchange of Contracts

5. Completion Day

Potential Challenges and How to Manage Them

How We Can Help

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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