Blog
Read our blog articles for useful insights into specific matters
Inheritance tax and key dates to consider
Inheritance tax is charged on a transfer of value, which reduces the overall value of a person’s estate. Inheritance tax is not payable in all estates and if there is a charge, the following exemptions will be applied in calculating the amount of IHT due:
Buying an investment property – what do you need to consider?
According to a report by Savills published on 18 January 2024, property prices fell by -0.2% and -0.3% across Prime Central London and Outer Prime London, respectively, during the final quarter of 2023.
Conveyancing searches: what are they, and why are they important?
As part of the process of buying a property, a lawyer will obtain, and report to the buyer, on a number of searches provided by third-parties. But what are the searches, why are they necessary, and what adverse information could they reveal?
What are the implications of cutting inheritance tax?
It has recently been suggested in the media that Rishi Sunak is going to make cuts to or even abolish Inheritance Tax. The decision to reduce Inheritance Tax, or its complete abolishment, is a contentious issue and has been met with both support and criticism.
Who can arrange a funeral?
When someone dies it is not always clear who should arrange their funeral. If the deceased left a Will, the responsibility will usually fall to the Executor. However, if there is no Will, it can be less clear who has the responsibility, or even the right to arrange the funeral.
Will the ‘feudal’ leasehold system finally be overhauled?
In what is expected to be one of the first pieces of legislation introduced in the parliamentary session before Christmas, the Government has announced plans to draft a ‘Leasehold Bill’, which if successful could dramatically reform the current leasehold system.
What is the Residence Nil Rate Band?
The Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) is an enhancement to the ordinary Nil Rate Band and is available for deaths on or after 6th April 2017. It currently stands at £175,000 and is frozen until 2027/28. The RNRB is not automatically given and must be claimed if required.
Property tenure: I’m loving freehold instead
With the introduction of the long-anticipated Building Safety Act in April, and the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act in June, you could say that in 2022 It Was a Very Good Year for leaseholders, who were granted additional protections from landlords in relation to both existing and new-build properties respectively.
Can you sell a house or close bank accounts before Probate is granted?
In general probate is required before you can close bank accounts, obtain life insurance or sell a house after someone has died. As with most things, however, there are exceptions to this rule.
The importance of accurate replies in conveyancing transactions – Downing v Henderson (2023)
During the conveyancing process, the seller of a property will generally be expected to provide a vast amount of information to the buyer, for example in relation to historic disputes, utility services (including electrical and gas inspections), flooding, third-party occupiers and any works that have been carried out.
Buying a property: what steps are involved?
The intricacies of the conveyancing process can often make the process of buying a property daunting. For that reason, having an understanding of what’s involved, and why, can prove the difference between you encountering either a frustrating or a stress-free transaction.
Selling a property: what steps are involved?
The decision to sell your property, whether it is your home or an investment property, can be a daunting one. For that reason, a general knowledge of the key steps that are involved in the sale process, and the order in which they can be expected to take place, can be crucial to ensuring that you are able to proceed with the sale smoothly and efficiently.
The problem with homemade Wills
In this blog we outline the issues that can arise from creating a homemade Will, and the benefits of using a legal professional.
Protecting your assets abroad
If you live in the UK but have assets abroad there are a number of things that you need to consider. In this guide we outline what steps you can take to ensure your assets are protected.
Leaving an inheritance to your children
In this blog we will provide you with a clear understanding of the importance of leaving an inheritance to your children and the potential risks involved in not doing so.
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