Property Law

Navigating the complexities of property law can often seem daunting. One area that many property owners and tenants find confusing is the deed of variation. In this article, we explore what a deed of variation is, why it matters and how it can affect lease changes. What Is a Deed of Variation? A deed of variation is a formal document used to amend the terms of an existing legal agreement, most notably a lease. This amendment can be necessary for several reasons, including changes to the rent, adjustments in maintenance obligations, or alterations to other significant clauses. For both [...]

Just bought a property. Here’s what happens next- The post completion process explained. Whilst the dust settles after the recent stamp duty land tax changes in March, it's important to understand the post-completion process and what your solicitor/Conveyancer is doing behind the scenes. Stamp Duty Return Your solicitor will prepare and submit your SDLT return to HMRC. Even if you’re lucky enough not to owe any SDLT (due to thresholds or reliefs), your solicitor will still do a return to HMRC. This must be done within 14 days of completion; otherwise, there will be a penalty to be paid. [...]

The UK's Largest Money-Laundering Prosecution: Why Your Solicitor Needs to Know Your Source of Funds What did this case involve? On Tuesday 4th March 2025, four individuals were sentenced for their involvement in a £266 million money laundering scheme tied to Fowler Oldfield, a Bradford-based scrap jewellery business. The scheme, one of the largest in UK history, was exposed after an investigation by West Yorkshire Police's Economic Crime Unit. The defendants, Gregory Frankel (11 years, 8 months), Daniel Rawson (10 years, 10 months), Haroon Rashid (10 years), and Arjun Babber (11 years), were convicted after laundering criminal cash through [...]

For many leasehold flat owners and prospective buyers, extending a lease has long been complicated. One key challenge has been the so-called "Two-Year Rule," which requires that flat owners have been registered for two years before they can serve a formal Statutory Notice to extend their lease. However, from 31 January 2025, this cumbersome rule ceased to apply, thanks to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. In this blog, we explore what this change means for buyers, sellers, and advisors and why, despite the simplification, the length of a lease remains a critical consideration. What Was the Two-Year [...]

Answer with care – the fateful case of the moths in the wardrobe As we know, during the process of buying and selling a house the Seller is required to answer standard questionnaires. A case made the headlines this week which emphasises the great deal of care that needs to be taken when answering those questions. A misrepresentation is a false statement of fact made by one party to another.  If, during negotiations for the purchase of a property, a Seller makes a false statement which the Buyer relies on – even in part – when deciding whether or [...]

The Building Safety Act 2022 (the “Act”) is a landmark piece of legislation in the UK, introduced to address the systemic issues exposed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. The Act aims to improve building safety standards and ensure accountability across the construction and property management sectors. For buyers, whether purchasing a new build or an existing property, understanding the implications of this Act is crucial. The criteria which must be met for a leaseholder to benefit from the protections created by the Act are as follows: The lease must be for a single dwelling within a building [...]

Stamp Duty is tax paid on purchase price of property in England, the tax payable is worked as a percentage of the property price. Below are the current and stamp duty rates following 31st March 2025. Stamp Duty is paid on a staggered basis and therefore the amount you pay increased as a purchase of the purchase price as the value of the property increases and the amount is calculated in line with below bandings. Pre 31st March 2025 Post 31st March 2025 0% up to £250,000 0% up to £125,000 2% above £125,000 and up to £250,000 [...]

Woodbridge, a market town in Suffolk, has been named the happiest place to live in the UK by a Rightmove survey. This was completed by over 35,000 people across Great Britain, who were asked how they feel about several factors in their area. Woodbridge mayor, Councillor Robin Sanders, said: "The happy mood of residents is a reflection of the vibrant town centre." Source: Rightmove, 2024, Woodbridge in Suffolk crowned happiest place to live. What Makes Woodbridge the Happiest Place to Live in the UK? A Welcoming Community Woodbridge is known for its warm and friendly residents, fostering a strong [...]

The Essential Guide to Understanding Your Auction Legal Pack Buying a property at auction offers great deals and unique opportunities, however there is also the element of risk, so understanding the auction legal pack is the key to you being well informed before placing a bid on a property. As you enter into a binding contract the moment the hammer falls, and there’s no going back, it is also especially important to carefully go through each component of the legal pack, keeping an eye out for any quirks to avoid surprises later down the line. Here at Attwells, our [...]