Title Deeds – what are they, and why are they important?

When purchasing or selling a property, the Title Deeds will inevitably come to your attention. But what exactly are they and why are they important?

Let’s investigate.

What are title deeds?

Title deeds consist of various records that establish and track the ownership of a property over time. These may include documents related to mortgages, leases, agreements, and legal matters like wills or property transfers. From these records, we can see some basic information related to the specific property, e.g. who was the owner of the property during different periods, what is the boundary of the property, etc. We can also, from the title deeds, obtain information such as what kind of benefits can be enjoyed by the owner of the property and what kind of restrictions are attached to the property.

Why are title deeds important?

First of all, a title deed shows the current owner’s name and address of the property. By matching the owner’s information recorded in the title deed with the identity information provided to us by the seller, we will be able to know whether the seller we are contracting has the right to dispose of the property and we may avoid property fraud.

Secondly, a title deed with a title plan will clearly show the property’s boundary. By comparing the title plan with the actual site of the property, we can realise which part of the property is included in our purchase and which is not. Sometimes the title deed will also mention that our neighbour or other third party has a right to use a specific part of the property subject to some conditions. We will need to be aware of these third-party rights and protect our interest (i.e. who is responsible for any damages or who is responsible for maintenance?)

Thirdly, a title deed may contain restrictive covenants, which will affect how the property will be used or developed. These restrictive covenants are promises given by the seller or previous owners of the property to third parties, announcing that the owner of the property will not do things prohibited by the third parties. For example, a title deed may contain such a clause:

‘The Purchasers their successors and assigns would not carry on or permit to be carried on in or upon the said plot of land thereby conveyed any business for the sale of ale beer wine or spirituous liquors.’

Importance of restrictive covenants

Such restrictive covenants are registered in the title deed. They will restrict how the property can be used and/or developed. They sometimes cannot be removed or varied. Therefore, before purchasing a property with restrictive covenants, you need to first find out what the restrictive covenants are and whether they can be removed or varied, so that they will not affect your intended use and/or development. Otherwise, if you breach such covenants, the covenantee may take legal actions against you and you may face financial consequences.

Final thoughts

Title deeds should always be one of the most important documents we need to pay attention to. Only when all potential problems revealed in the title deed have been resolved or understood, we can proceed with the transaction with manageable risk.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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Conveyancing in 2025: What to Expect

With the year still in its infancy, Lisa’s Law would like to use this article to outline some of the major upcoming changes to conveyancing in 2025. We will also take a look at how these major changes will affect buyers, sellers and conveyancing solicitors involved.

Purchase cost increases

The following three changes will not be liked by buyers, as they are likely to increase purchase costs:

Change of stamp duty and land tax (SDLT)

From 1^st April 2025, the zero rate band for residential properties will drop from current £250,000 to £125,000. It means that buyers will have to pay £2,500 more SDLT on their purchases. For first time buyers, the exemption will drop from current £425,000 to £300,000, an additional SDLT payment of £6,250. Please refer to our article for more details of the changes.

It will clearly be another busy season for conveyancing solicitors until 31^st March 2025, when buyers try to benefit from the current SDLT rates and press their solicitors to complete transactions prior to the changes.

Reduction in right to buy discount

In order to increase the social housing stock of local councils, the Labour government has substantially reduced the discount offered to council tenants when they exercise their right to buy the properties they have been renting. From 21^st November 2024, the maximum discount has been capped at between £16,000 and £38,000, which used to be as high as £102,400 across England or £136,400 in London boroughs.

In addition, the government is also considering increasing the number of years it takes for a tenant to be eligible from 5 years to 10 years. They are also considering requesting a repayment of the discount if they sell the properties within 10 years, instead of five years.

Without a doubt, this will mean that fewer and fewer social tenants can afford such purchases.

Higher Charges for Information Services

HM Land Registry has raised its fees for information services by £4 since 9^th December 2024, which appears to be a minor change, but can easily squeeze buyers’ pockets by dozens of pounds.

Delay in conveyancing process

Anyone with some conveyancing experience is likely to know how painfully slow the process can be. It can be delayed by many factors. Lenders can raise too many requirements at the last moment before lending. Search results may not be received when a deadline is approaching. More frequently, in case of leasehold transactions, when everything hangs on the provision of management pack, landlords or their management agents are nowhere to be found. Will the overall situation be improved in 2025?

To answer this question, the 5^th edition of the Law Society’s property information form TA6 is set to roll out this year. The form will require sellers to provide more additional information about their properties, which include many additional questions about council tax, construction materials, erosion risk, building safety and other issues. The Law Society has claimed that it intends to use the form to make the conveyancing process more transparent. The idea is for sellers to disclose as much information about their properties as early as possible, so that buyers can decide whether to proceed with the transactions at a very early stage. It is predicted that once in use, Form TA6 should help speed up the transaction process and reduce the number of aborted cases.

In 2024, the government also passed the Freehold and Leasehold Reform Act 2024. Section 67 of the act means that landlords or their management agents must provide the relevant sales information within a specified period of time after receiving such request from leasehold sellers. Section 76 also limits the amount they can charge for providing such information. Such provisions will clearly reduce the delays which currently blockade many transactions. Unfortunately, neither section has been brought into force. It remains to be seen whether this will happen in 2025.

Tenants’ rights

There are two pieces of legislations which will affect tenants’ rights in 2025.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is likely to become law this year. At the time of writing, it has passed the first reading at the House of Lords. This bill intends to offer more protection to tenants, including abolishing the so-called no-fault section21 notice, turning all tenancies into periodic, prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants without fair grounds and improving the regulation of the private renting market by creating a private renting landlord ombudsman and increasing the local authorities’ power of enforcement. Please refer to our article for more information on the bill.

Once coming into force, the Renters’ Rights Bill or Act by then will clearly reshape the private renting market. Although there is no doubt that it will offer tenants more rights, landlords also have legitimate reasons to worry whether they will have any control over their own properties any longer. Such concern will inevitably influence potential landlords’ intention to enter the market. Combined with the effect of the additional 5% SDLT imposed on purchases of additional properties, it is likely to affect buy-to-let purchases.

In the meantime, section 27 of the Freehold and Leasehold Reform Act 2024 is expected to be brought into force this year. This will allow leaseholders to extend their leases or franchise the relevant freehold, irrespective of how long they have owned the property. This will effectively take away some concerns buyers normally have about leasehold properties.

Environment-related issues

Climate change will continue to have an impact on conveyancing in 2025. Under the Law Society’s guidance, based on property locality, peculiar physical features and client’s objectives, conveyancing solicitors are expected to advise their clients what environmental searches should be carried out and enquiries raised and the implication of an environmental risk to the use, insurability, costs and marketability of a property. Many solicitors may need to review their title to report to include or expand their report on environmental risks.

Lenders are also taking action on climate change. Halifax has recently linked its lending to property EPC rating. The higher the rating is, the more a borrower is allowed to borrow. This will inevitably increase the marketability of properties with high energy efficiency.

Our thoughts

In general, with the SDLT threshold dropping to the pre-covid £125,000 level, the majority of buyers in 2025 will see their purchase costs increased by at least £2,500. Environmental risks will further increase such costs, as it will mean more searches and more reports. Social housing tenants looking to buy their council house will see the biggest impact. With the substantial discount reduction, it is a real question whether the right to buy has any attraction at all.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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Ballot Announcement for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2025 – those from Hong Kong and Taiwan eligible

The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a visa route designed to enable young people from select countries and territories to experience life and work in the UK for up to two years. Under this scheme, successful applicants can work, study, and live in the UK, gaining valuable international exposure and professional development. The scheme offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to immerse themselves in British culture and build global networks.

Who Can Apply?

This particular route is open to nationals or citizens of specific countries and territories that have agreed YMS arrangements with the UK. Hong Kong and Taiwan are among those that participate. Applicants generally need to be aged between 18 and 30 and meet the relevant eligibility criteria, such as having sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

2025 First Ballot Details

The Home Office has officially published the details of the first ballot of 2025 for Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants. The main points are as follows:

Application Window

The ballot opens on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 00.01 am (local time) and closes on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 00.01 am (local time).

Applicants must email the relevant address within this 48-hour window, following the precise guidelines and including the required personal information.

Ballot Entry Format

Each applicant can only submit one email per ballot. The email must conform to the specified format, which will require details such as your full name, date of birth, and passport number.

Allocation of Places

In 2024, each participating territory was granted 1,000 places. While the Home Office has not confirmed whether the same number of slots will be allocated for 2025, it is anticipated that the figure will remain consistent.

Notification of Results

Applicants who are successful in the ballot will receive an email on Tuesday, 11^th February 2025. Those who are unsuccessful will be informed within two weeks after the ballot closes.

Next Steps for Successful Applicants

Successful individuals have 90 days from the date of the results email to submit their full Youth Mobility Scheme application, pay the required visa fee, and provide biometric information at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Failure to apply within that 90-day window will typically result in forfeiture of the opportunity, requiring re-entry into a future ballot (if applicable).

Practical Tips for Applicants

Monitor the Official Guidance – Keep a close eye on the UK Government’s official channels for any updates regarding the YMS and the ballot process.

Follow the Email Format Carefully – The Home Office’s instructions on how to structure the ballot entry email can be very specific, ensure you include all the requested personal details. Minor errors or omissions could lead to disqualification.

Prepare Your Documents in Advance – If you are chosen in the ballot, you will only have a 90-day window to finalise your full visa application. Start gathering necessary paperwork.

Plan Your Budget – The YMS visa fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable), and potential travel expenses all add up. Make sure you have sufficient funds readily available to cover these costs within the 90-day timeframe.

Seek Professional Advice Where Needed – While the ballot itself might be straightforward, completing the formal YMS visa application can involve meeting multiple requirements. If you are uncertain about your eligibility or how to complete the application process, contact us and our immigration team will advise you on your eligibility for the scheme.

Final thoughts

The Youth Mobility Scheme continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for young people from Hong Kong and Taiwan to come to the UK, gain valuable work experience, and build international networks.

With the first ballot of 2025 rapidly approaching, prospective applicants should be prepared to submit their entries precisely as instructed and keep track of all relevant deadlines. A well-organised application significantly improves your chances of making the most of this exciting scheme.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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My case is settled, do I have to pay tax on the settlement?

The tax implications of settlement payments are often overlooked in the process of resolving disputes. However, the tax treatment of these payments should be part of the parties’ consideration in settlement and for ensuring compliance of the law. Settlement payments can attract significant financial consequences if the associated tax liabilities or reliefs are not properly accounted for. It is therefore imperative for parties to pay attention to settlement agreement tax.

Whether the payment involves returning debts, recovering rent, unpaid invoices, or employment-related compensation, the tax treatment will depend on the very nature and purpose of the payment.

Returning Debts and Interest Payments

Settlements involving the repayment of debts and interest are among the most common scenarios. The repayment of the principal debt is not subject to tax for the recipient, as it is considered a return of capital rather than income. Similarly, for the payer, repaying the principal is not deductible because it represents a capital obligation rather than a trading expense.

However, interest payments included in a settlement are treated differently. For the recipient, interest is taxable as income and must be reported in the tax year it is received. For the payer, interest payments may be deductible as a business expense if they are incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of trade. It is important to ensure that settlement agreements clearly separate principal repayments from interest payments to avoid confusion about their tax treatment.

General interest on judgment debts, such as that arising from the non-payment of a settlement payment amount, is also considered to be taxable income.

Recovering Rent

In cases involving rent disputes, the tax implications depend on whether the payment relates to unpaid rent or compensation for other breaches of lease terms. For landlords, recovering unpaid rent through a settlement is taxable as rental income. This income must be reported in the tax year it is received, regardless of when the rent was due. Compensation for breaches of lease terms, such as failing to maintain the property, may be treated as either income or capital depending on the nature of the payment.

For example, if the compensation is used for repairs, it will likely be treated as income. If it compensates for permanent damage or loss, it may be considered a capital receipt. For tenants, payments made to settle unpaid rent claims are generally deductible as business expenses if the rent relates to a property used for business purposes. However, compensation for dilapidations or other lease breaches are not usually deductible unless they are directly linked to the tenant’s business activities.

Recovering Trade Invoices

Disputes over unpaid trade invoices are another common scenario in which settlement payments require careful tax consideration. For recipients, settlement payments for unpaid invoices are taxable as business income. For example, if a supplier recovers unpaid invoices through a settlement, those payments are treated as trading receipts and taxed accordingly. In the case of payers, settlement payments to resolve unpaid invoices are generally deductible as business expenses, provided the invoices relate to goods or services used in the course of trade. Any additional components of the settlement, such as interest or penalties, should be clearly identified in the agreement to ensure proper tax treatment.

For cross-border disputes, additional complexities arise when settlement payments are received overseas. The recipient must consider whether the payment is subject to tax in the jurisdiction where it is received and whether any double taxation treaties apply to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries.

For example, if a UK-based business receives a settlement payment in another country, it may need to report the income to HMRC while also complying with the tax laws of the foreign jurisdiction. Currency exchange rates at the time of payment can also affect the amount of tax owed. Engaging a tax adviser with expertise in cross-border matters is essential to navigate these issues effectively and avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Employment-Related Settlements

Employment-related settlement payments can also have varied tax implications. Payments for unpaid wages or bonuses are taxable as employment income and are subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions. Statutory redundancy payments are tax-free up to £30,000, with any amount above this threshold subject to income tax. Payments in lieu of notice (PILON) are generally taxable unless the settlement qualifies for specific exemptions. Compensation for personal injury or illness is typically tax-free, and compensation for discrimination claims may also be exempt, depending on the circumstances. Employees should carefully review settlement agreements to ensure that the payments are properly classified and any available exemptions are applied.

Addressing Tax Implications Early

Tax implications should be addressed early in settlement negotiations to avoid surprises and ensure compliance with HMRC rules. Both parties should clarify the nature of the payment and consider whether any reliefs or deductions apply. VAT implications should also be addressed, particularly for disputes involving rent, trade invoices, or services.

Engaging a tax professional or legal adviser can help parties navigate these complexities and structure the settlement in a tax-efficient manner. By addressing tax implications such as settlement agreement tax proactively, parties can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that the settlement achieves its intended financial objectives.

At Lisa’s Law, we specialise in advising clients on dispute resolution and settlement. Whether you are recovering rent, resolving debt, negotiating employment-related settlements, or dealing with cross-border disputes, our team can provide the guidance you need to resolve dispute and to structure settlement agreements.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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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. This is where Residential Abortive Transaction Insurance, more commonly known as Home Buyers Protection Insurance, can play a role.

Let’s take a look at what it is, how it could help you, and whether you actually need it.

What is Home Buyers Protection Insurance?

Residential Abortive Transaction Insurance, which is a bit of a mouthful, is also commonly known by the acronym, RATI, or also as home buyer protection insurance. Many homebuyers won’t know that it is available, and with all of the other costs involved in buying a home, to many it simply won’t be worth it.

However, for those who are willing to pay for it, RATI can be thought of as being a financial safety net for when your home purchase falls through. RATI helps to cover for costs which you have already forked out for and ensure that you aren’t left out of pocket.

Despite this, it must be taken out at the start of a transaction. Unsurprisingly, if your survey comes back with crumbling walls, it will then be too late to suddenly take out insurance.

Generally, RATI can help to cover around £1500 worth of cover towards conveyancing costs such as the following:

Mortgage lender valuation fees
Survey fees and searches
Disbursements
Conveyancing fees
Mortgage lender arrangement fees

So, is it worth it?

With almost 65,000 property transactions falling through in the first quarter of 2024, RATI may be worth thinking about for property buyers. The majority of policies are around £50 or so, meaning that it is a relatively low amount for the financial blow that you could suffer if your purchase falls through.

Despite this, it is worth pointing out that RATI does not offer blanket protection for a failed transaction. In this way, it is similar to many other types of insurance. For example, it may cover you if the seller needs to pull out of the deal due to a serious illness, however it may not cover you if the seller suddenly changes their mind about selling. The terms of the policy will determine this.

As a result, whether you decide to purchase home buyers protection insurance comes down to whether you are prepared to pay for it, your personal situation, and whether you think you wish to protect yourself from the costs associated with purchasing a property. Before taking out an insurance policy for Residential Abortive Transaction Insurance, we would always advise you to ensure that you carefully read the terms and conditions to make sure you know what it is that you are buying.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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Suspected people smugglers to face travel restrictions and bans on mobile phones

As part of its strategy to combat the continuing small-boats crisis faced by the UK, the Home Office has introduced a series of new measures specifically targeted at people smugglers. Rather than the approach of the previous government, which specifically targeted those in the boats themselves and threatened them with being “removed” to Rwanda, the new government’s approach echoes their promise to “smash the gangs”.

The new interim orders are described as a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, and will form part of the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The government is under pressure to take action on migrants crossing by small boat after coming to power in July 2024, with figures from last year up by a quarter (7,000) on the previous year.

Let’s take a look at what changes will be made to interim orders and what difference they could make in terms of tackling people smuggler gangs.

How will interim orders be different?

At the moment, the ability to secure a Serious Crime Prevention Order to disrupt the activities of suspects such as people smugglers is a complex and length process. However, the use of new interim orders is slated to speed up the process for placing restrictions on people who are under investigation.

This will be done by allowing organisations such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), the police as well as other law enforcement agencies to apply directly to the High Court. This will enable immediate restrictions to be imposed while a full order is considered.

Restrictions

The government has advised that restrictions will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, some of the restrictions could involve the following:

travel restrictions
a ban on laptop or mobile phone usage
restrictions on whom someone can associate with
a ban on accessing social media networks, including via a third party
restrictions on devices and communications with certain individuals
restrictions on their finances, helping to prevent criminal proceeds from going under the radar

Furthermore, the breach of any of these interim orders could result in offenders spending up to 5 years in prison.

Final thoughts

While the new interim orders will probably not make a massive difference on their own, the government will hope that they will play a role as part of a wider package under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The enabling of quicker restrictions on suspected people smugglers will also help to dismantle criminal networks more effectively.

Despite this, some may have questions about the government’s failure to address the reasons why people are willing to put their lives at risk by crossing the channel in the first place. Stay tuned for further updates throughout the year.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

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150 tenants served eviction notices just weeks before Christmas

More than 150 tenants from the same block of flats in Vive Living in Deptford recently received eviction notices just weeks before Christmas, ordering them to leave their homes within the next 2 to 4 months. As a result, councillors and the local MP, Vicky Foxcroft, have demanded a meeting with landlords, Aitch Group.

Aitch Group have claimed that the tenants are being evicted for refurbishment of the flats, however the tenants dispute this, with the building opening its doors just seven years ago.

Section 21 Evictions

More generally, figures from the Ministry of Justice show that 8425 households received a section 21 notice between July and September in 2024 – the highest number in eight years.

Thousands of landlords are currently rushing through no-fault evictions before Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill comes into effect, which is scheduled to become law in the summer of 2025 and will ban this practice. Under the bill, landlords need to prove a ground for eviction before the property can be reclaimed.

Under the current law, section 21 notices allow landlords to evict tenants without a reason after a fixed term tenancy ends or during a tenancy with no fixed end date.

What other measures does the Renters’ Rights Bill introduce?

Apart from the ban of no-fault evictions, the Renters’ Rights bill introduces the following :-

Ensure possession grounds are fair to both landlords and tenants;
Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction which ensures tenants are able to appeal excessive above-market rents;
Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman;
Create a Private Rented Sector Database;
Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property;
Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector;
Apply “Awaab’s Law” to the sector;
Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits with children;
End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent;
Strengthen local authority enforcement; and
Strengthen rent repayment orders

Our thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Bill will increase the costs for the landlords. It could be argued that this may eventually defeat the purpose of the bill to give tenants greater security and stability and avoid the risk of homelessness. The reason for this is that increasing numbers of landlords are considering selling their properties. This will reduce the supply of the rental properties in view of the new restrictions and significantly reduce the attractiveness of the buy to let. On the other hand, many would argue that the ability for landlords to use section 21 no-fault eviction notices greatly increases the threat of tenants facing homelessness in the first place, as demonstrated by the case discussed in this article.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

See Full Bio

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: Achievements Across Our Legal Departments in 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we take pride in reflecting on the milestones and successes that defined this year for Lisa’s Law. From immigration breakthroughs to high-stakes litigation, our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional results for our clients. In this article, we take a look back at our achievements and the impact we’ve made across our departments.

Immigration Law

Key Achievements

85% Appeal Success Rate: Maintaining a strong record of success in contested cases.
1,500+ Immigration Cases: Providing support and guidance in a wide variety of matters.
Expanded Team: Growing from 18 to 20 specialists, ensuring even better service delivery.
Ranked by the Legal 500 for immigration

Notable Wins

Successfully sponsored a grandchild to live with grandparents in the UK.
Secured Indefinite Leave to Remain for a client with 500 days of excess absence.
Challenged and overturned deportation orders, reuniting families and restoring futures.

Comments

2024 has been a busy year for our immigration team. The UK has introduced some significant changes to visa requirements, especially for spouse and skilled worker visas. Despite these new challenges, we’ve seen no slowdown in people looking to come to the UK.

We are proud to have grown our team from 18 to 20 professionals this year, enabling us to continue providing excellent support to our clients. We’ve handled over 1,500 cases this year, maintaining an impressive 85% success rate on appeals.

It’s been particularly exciting to have been recognised by the Legal 500 this year. They’ve not only ranked our immigration team, but also awarded us their client satisfaction mark – something that only goes to 10% of ranked firms. That means a lot to us.

As we look back on the year, we are thrilled with what our team has achieved. We’re grateful for our clients’ trust and are looking forward to supporting even more people in the coming year.

Conveyancing

In 2024, our Conveyancing Team reached new milestones, continuing to build on a foundation of success.

Achievements

Achieved a 20% growth compared to last year’s strong performance.
Opened nearly 2,000 new cases, a testament to growing client trust.
Increased the average transaction values for both commercial and residential conveyancing, with many instructions exceeding £1 million.

Strategic Improvements

Developed a more robust team structure, integrating experienced solicitors with paralegals and legal assistants, which has laid down a solid foundation for career development and futureproofing.
Expanded and diversified our client base, with more clients instructing us directly. This has reduced operational risks by not relying on certain types of referrals and and increased business resilience.

Looking forward, we plan in the new year to:

1. Further optimise the structure of our team and establish a four-tier system which consists of legal assistants, solicitors, team leaders and a supervisor;

2. Further increase efficiency by streamlining our workflow and introducing AI into our practice

Family Law

In 2024, our Family Department demonstrated unwavering commitment to helping families navigate sensitive and emotional legal matters. As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on some of the remarkable achievements and milestones of our Family Department. Here are some of the highlights from 2024:

Serving Over 100 Clients
Supported a diverse range of families and individuals, with over 100 cases opened by the end of September, and many more in the final months of the year.
Exceptional Client Feedback
The Family Department received over 100 five-star Google reviews, reflecting our dedication to providing excellent client care.
Completion of Complex Probate Cases and Overseas Probate Expertise
After a year and a half of dedicated work, we successfully concluded a complex probate case involving:
- Over 20 bank accounts, 4 shareholdings, and more than 15 other accounts.
- Estate administration valued at over £440,000, including legacies to charity.
We handled a variety of international probate matters, assisting clients with estates involving deceased domiciles in Mainland China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and beyond.
Swift Financial Settlement Resolution and Financial Remedies Success
A financial settlement was efficiently resolved following just over a year of negotiations and two court hearings, ensuring a positive outcome and cost-effective approach for our client.
We successfully assisted a client in achieving a financial settlement during a contentious divorce. The case involved worldwide matrimonial assets valued at approximately £5 million and required prolonged negotiations with a non-legal representative on the opposing side.
We achieved a fully satisfactory result for a client in a contentious financial remedies case. This involved complex legal issues, including:
1. Separation of equitable interest and legal title in property.
2. Distinguishing between loans and gifts from family members.
3. Identifying matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets.
The team successfully obtained over 10 financial consent orders from the family court without the need for hearing attendance, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to delivering efficient, client-focused solutions.
Challenging Child Arrangement Case
After 3 years and 7 court hearings, we secured a final order granting a father regular contact with his child despite strong objections from the mother and cross-allegations of domestic violence.
Pre/Post-Nuptial and Separation Agreements

We provided comprehensive support to numerous clients in drafting and negotiating pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, and separation agreements, carefully tailored to their unique circumstances and designed to safeguard their separate assets.

Our Family Department Services

We offer a wide range of services to support clients through sensitive and emotional circumstances, including:

Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
Acting as legal representatives for executors/administrators
Estate administration and distribution
Contested probate proceedings
Will Writing and Estate Planning
Drafting, amending, or revoking Wills.
Tax planning, lifetime gifts, and trusts.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Pre-Nuptial/Post-Nuptial Agreements
Cohabitation and Separation Agreements
Matrimonial Financial Settlements
Children Arrangements and Divorce Procedures

End-of-Year Reflections

This year has been one of growth, learning, and success for our family law team. From resolving challenging cases to providing empathetic support during difficult times, we are proud of the positive impact we have made. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering high-quality legal services and fighting for our clients’ best interests.

Litigation Team

As the year draws to a close, Lisa’s Law Litigation Team takes pride in reflecting on a series of noteworthy accomplishments that highlight our dedication and expertise. From high-profile cases to everyday legal challenges, our Litigation Team delivered impactful results for clients. Some of our highlights include the following:

Highlights

Represented over 60 Chinese companies in a significant High Court dispute with an online platform.
Defended a company against allegations from the Office for Product Safety and Standards, ensuring that our client’s interests remained protected in a challenging regulatory environment.
Managed tenancy disputes, disrepair claims, and professional negligence cases, demonstrating a balanced approach to advocacy.
Secured settlements exceeding £10 million in international disputes, reflecting our negotiation prowess.
In the tax realm, we represented a company in an appeal against a decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Tax), illustrating our commitment to delivering strong, strategic legal representation. We led several international dispute settlement cases involving contractual and financial disputes, achieving remarkable settlements exceeding £10 million, which speaks to our negotiation skills and understanding of diverse legal frameworks.

Whether navigating complex tax appeals or protecting tenant rights, our Litigation Department has exemplified resilience and strategic excellence.

As we conclude this year, we are grateful for the challenges we have overcome and the successes we have achieved, and we look forward to carrying this momentum into the new year, continuing to advocate for our clients with the same commitment and diligence.

Looking Ahead to 2025

2024 has been an exceptional year of growth, learning, and achievement across all departments. We are deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us and for the dedication of our teams who go above and beyond every day.

As we move into 2025, we remain committed to continuing to deliver outstanding legal services, embracing innovation, and achieving even greater results for those we serve.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on another exciting year!

Here’s to a successful and impactful 2025!

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

See Full Bio

Government announces range of measures to crack down on illegal working

In recent years, the UK has seen a substantial increase in net immigration, a factor which partly contributed to the Conservative Party’s General Election loss. While the new Labour government hasn’t set a defined target for net migration, they have publicly stated their desire to tackle illegal migration. Illegal working, the subject of today’s article, has been a key focus for the Home Office in recent weeks.

On the subject of this particular topic, we recently reported on a crackdown on illegal working in industries such as construction, nail bars, supermarkets etc, as well as how we can help your business to comply with the law here.

Increase in migration returns and illegal working arrests

In an effort to tackle small boats crossings, the Home Secretary recently set out to tackle promises of jobs made by smuggling gangs to sell spaces in their small boats before crossing the English Channel.

The Home Office has pledged to have the highest rate of returns since 2018 in the first 6 months since the election. They are on track to deliver on this front, with 13,500 people with no right to be in the UK removed during that time.

Measures announced by Home Secretary

As part of their crackdown on illegal working, the government has also announced a range of measures:

£5m to be spent on body-worn cameras to over 1,200 frontline officers in order to increase the amount of evidence collected on immigration raids and increase prosecutions and action against exploitative employers
£3m to be invested in new fingerprint kits for enforcement officers in order to better identify “high-risk individuals”
Upstream communications campaigns aimed at exposing “the lies told by criminal smuggling gangs”

– This will include warning prospective migrants about the inhumane living conditions they could face and exploitative working practises for those working illegally

The Home Secretary added: “I am boosting the capabilities of our immigration enforcement officers to make sure they have the tools they need to further crack down on illegal working and shine a light on the hidden economy and false promises that criminal smuggling gangs are using to encourage people to cross the Channel in small boats. If you employ people illegally, you will face consequences. The rules must be respected and enforced.”

Some notable statistics since July which the Home Office was keen to trumpet include the following:

The redeployment of 1,000 additional people into immigration enforcement
The four biggest return flights in UK history, all numbering more than 800 people
Increase of enforced returns by 25% of those with no right to be here compared with the previous year
Return of 2,100 foreign criminals since 5^th July 2024, an increase of 20% compared with the previous period

Our thoughts

Whether the measures announced by the Home Secretary will be sufficient remains to be seen, however the statistics so far demonstrate that they have been reasonably successful in returning those foreign criminals and those with no right to be here in recent months.

We will continue to keep you updated on the latest immigration news. If you are concerned about your current hiring practices or wish to secure a sponsor licence to access international talent, contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve compliance and peace of mind.

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

See Full Bio

Planning for Further Stamp Duty Land Tax Changes from 1st April 2025

The property market is a very important part of the economy of any country. It can make a substantial contribution to a country’s revenue. It can also create economic bubbles if it overheats, hence damaging or even crashing an economy. Therefore, all responsible governments want to regulate the property market effectively. One tool in their armoury that they frequently use to do this is stamp duty land tax (SDLT).

With this in mind, the Labour government made a headline announcement on 30^th October 2024 that the higher SDLT rate for purchases of additional dwellings and for purchases by companies was increased from 3% to 5% above the standard rates from 31^st October 2024. The SDLT rate for residential purchases by companies and other non-natural persons over £500,000 was also increased from 15% to 17% from the same day.

In fact, in addition to the above announced changes, there are also other unannounced changes on SDLT, which will take effect from 1^st April 2025, on which this article will focus on.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes from 1^st April 2025

The temporary increases to thresholds are coming to an end: Threshold will drop to £300,000 for a first-time buyer (previously £425,000)
Nil rate threshold will return to £125,000 (previously £250,00)
Maximum purchase price for which First-Time Buyers Relief can be claimed is £500,000, meaning that if your property is over £500,000 you would not be able to claim relief

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Example

1. A first-time buyer buys a house for £350,000. The SDLT owed will be:

Rates up to 31 March 2025: The SDLT you owe will be £0
Rates from 1 April 2025: The SDLT you owe will be £2,500

2. A first-time buyer buys a house for £500,000. The SDLT owed will be:

Rates up to 31 March 2025: The SDLT you owe will be £3,750
Rates from 1 April 2025: The SDLT you owe will be £10,000

What should I do?

A standard freehold transaction is 6 to 8 weeks. A leasehold on average takes 8 to 10 weeks. If you are looking for a property and would like to benefit from the current rates, which means completing on or before 31 March 2025, you can communicate your intention to your buyer, seller and agents. You can come to a mutual understanding about the completion date at the start of the transaction. Vacant properties or ones not in a chain would reduce the risk.

However, property purchase is complicated, and the timeline can be affected by a multitude of factors – but coming to a mutual agreement would certainly help the other side to be “on side”!

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.

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

Sumit Singh

See Full Bio

News and Insights

What are title deeds?

Why are title deeds important?

Importance of restrictive covenants

Final thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Purchase cost increases

Change of stamp duty and land tax (SDLT)

Reduction in right to buy discount

Higher Charges for Information Services

Delay in conveyancing process

Tenants’ rights

Environment-related issues

Our thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Who Can Apply?

2025 First Ballot Details

Application Window

Ballot Entry Format

Allocation of Places

Notification of Results

Next Steps for Successful Applicants

Practical Tips for Applicants

Final thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Returning Debts and Interest Payments

Recovering Rent

Recovering Trade Invoices

Employment-Related Settlements

Addressing Tax Implications Early

Have questions? Get in touch today!

What is Home Buyers Protection Insurance?

So, is it worth it?

Have questions? Get in touch today!

How will interim orders be different?

Restrictions

Final thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Section 21 Evictions

What other measures does the Renters’ Rights Bill introduce?

Our thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Immigration Law

Key Achievements

Notable Wins

Comments

Conveyancing

Achievements

Strategic Improvements

Family Law

Our Family Department Services

End-of-Year Reflections

Litigation Team

Highlights

Looking Ahead to 2025

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Increase in migration returns and illegal working arrests

Measures announced by Home Secretary

Our thoughts

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes from 1st April 2025

Example

What should I do?

Have questions? Get in touch today!

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Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes from 1^st April 2025