Blog
Wills & Websites – An Unlikely Comparison
Posted on Tuesday 25th April, 2017 by Rick Barrow
I imagine some of you were possibly expecting details of a technological advancement in the legal sector but I will save that for another day. Instead, I am going to make an unlikely comparison.In case you didn’t know, a Will is a legal declaration by which a... Read full post
U-Turn on Probate Fees?
Posted on Tuesday 25th April, 2017 by Nicola Lloyd
I reported in a previous blog that the Government was planning a major reform to the way the Probate Court fees are charged. The changes require approval from both Houses of Parliament by a Statutory Instrument. The Government had hoped to push this through as quickly as May. Whatever your... Read full post
Changes in Probate Fees Appear to be a Death Tax
Posted on Friday 10th March, 2017 by Nicola Lloyd
The Government have indicated that they want to change Probate court fees so that the fees are based on the size of the Estate instead of the fixed fee system that is currently in place. A consultation was held and opinions of interested organisations and members of the public were... Read full post
Major Change to Inheritance Tax Looming
Posted on Monday 13th February, 2017 by Nicola Lloyd
On the 6 April 2017, there will be a major change to Inheritance Tax (IHT) with the introduction of the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). Many people are familiar with the Nil Rate Band for IHT, where you do not pay tax on assets up to £325,000 (or £650,000 for married couples... Read full post
Leasehold Property - How the Conveyancing Process can be Improved
Posted on Wednesday 10th August, 2016 by Rick Barrow
My last blog looked at whether the Conveyancing process needs to change? In summary, I think it would be difficult to radically change the overall Conveyancing system but there are certainly areas which could be targeted, particularly around leasehold properties & Management Companies. One of the main frustrations involved... Read full post
Does the Conveyancing Process Need to Change?
Posted on Friday 18th March, 2016 by Rick Barrow
The Conveyancing process deals with the transfer of land or property between the buyer and the seller. Such an important procedure should be delivered with complete clarity for all parties involved, yet a recent survey revealed that 42% of the general public felt the overall experience was too complicated and slow.... Read full post
Stamp Duty Changes for Those Wishing to Buy a Second Property
Posted on Tuesday 23rd February, 2016 by Rick Barrow
The Government announced at the 2015 Autumn Statement, a Five Point Plan for housing to re-focus support for housing towards low cost home ownership for first time buyers.According to initial reports, for completions on or after 1st April 2016, a large proportion of buyers purchasing buy-to-let investments or second homes will... Read full post
A Beginner’s Guide to a Transfer of Equity
Posted on Monday 11th January, 2016 by Rick Barrow
A Transfer of Equity is the removal or addition of a name on the Title Deeds. The names must match those on the mortgage & therefore it is always wise to seek your mortgage lender approval at the outset. It always useful to locate what Deeds you have but it... Read full post
A Beginner’s Guide to Selling a House
Posted on Wednesday 25th November, 2015 by Rick Barrow
Selling a property can be stressful but if you are aware of the process & know what is required of you at different stages, it can be easy also. Once you have agreed a sale you will need to instruct a Solicitor. Unlike purchases, your lender won’t usually... Read full post
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a House
Posted on Monday 16th November, 2015 by Rick Barrow
The first thing to consider, as with anyhting you wish to buy, is how you are going to fund it.You either need to research & apply for mortgages yourself, or instruct a mortgage broker to do so on your behalf. The latter will involve a fee but will take... Read full post
