Blogs
Equity release – weighing up the pros and cons
Figures from the Equity Release Council show that those aged over 55 are relying more than ever before on the wealth tied up in their houses. Older people who bought their properties many years ago can often find themselves asset rich but cash poor, sometimes living on low incomes whilst living in v....
Permitted development law – a help or a hindrance?
In 2013, a landmark legislative change known as ‘permitted development’ was introduced, enabling property developers to convert commercial buildings into residential flats without having to go through the traditional planning process. The new rules were initially introduced in a bid to combat....
Why our divorce laws need to be reformed
The Nuffield Foundation recently released a report entitled ‘Finding Fault’ in which it condemned the prevailing divorce laws in England and Wales, accusing them of forcing couples to make exaggerated and even false claims of adultery or bad behaviour, to obtain a divorce. Under the Matrimoni....
‘Agent-of-change’ principle should be compulsory for property developers, say MPs and groups
MPs and influential groups have extended their backing to calls for a new law which would force property developers to consider the impact of all planned developments on pre-existing businesses in the surrounding area before pushing ahead with their plans. The so-called ‘agent-of-change’ prin....
The ‘gig’ economy – where are we now?
If you have had a takeaway delivered, or organised a private cab to give you a lift somewhere, you will have experienced the “gig” economy. According to the Chartered Institute for Professional Development, roughly 1.3 million people in the UK now work in the gig economy, where instead of a r....
Neighbourhood Plans – your chance to have your say
Introduced under the Localism Act 2011, neighbourhood planning gives communities the right to have a say in shaping the development of their local area. In simple terms, Neighbourhood Development Plans become part of the Local Plan, and the policies contained within them are then used in the dete....
Government proposals to limit the sale of newbuild leasehold homes
When you’re looking to buy a property, it’s not uncommon nowadays to find not just flats but also new-build houses for sale on a leasehold basis. With leasehold properties, buyers can have the option to buy the freehold - the land the property stands on - at some point. Leasehold property owners....
The Green Belt – should we use it to solve the housing crisis?
The concept of a ‘green belt’ was first put forward by the Greater London Regional Planning Committee back in 1935 as a way of restricting urban growth. Their proposal was to provide “a reserve supply of public open spaces and of recreational areas and to establish a green belt or girdle of op....
Domestic violence – not just a problem faced by women
It’s a sad fact of life that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their social class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle. Much of the media coverage of domestic violence issues highlights the plight of women who find themselves on the receiving end of physical, psycholo....
Boundary disputes – how to avoid crossing the line
Every year, neighbours find themselves falling out over boundary issues such as building works, fences, tree branches, leylandii hedges and shared access to property. Fierce battles are often waged over just a few inches of land, and can sometimes turn into prolonged and expensive legal disputes. ....
Why every business should think about their social media policy
Social media plays an increasingly important part in all our lives, and Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging have also become part and parcel of modern business communications. This means it’s more important than ever that employers set out clearly what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour when....
My Planning Application has been refused, what can I do?
It can come as a nasty blow to hear that your Planning Application has been refused, and you’ll be left wondering what your options are. Your local planning authority must provide reasons in writing as to why your application was turned down, so it’s worth going through these thoroughly to get a....
