Commercial property solicitor and planning lawyer, Nick Arthur reports on the Government’s proposed reforms aimed at making it easier to convert commercial premises to residential accommodation The Government is now commencing a formal consultation on relaxing the planning rules for
Searches in property transactions
Louise Langabeer of Slee Blackwell’s Barnstaple office takes a look at some of the searches solicitors carry out when buying property The most important search your solicitor will need to carry out is a local authority search, often referred to
Slee Blackwell Awarded Conveyancing Accreditation
Accredited Devon conveyancing solicitors Slee Blackwell Solicitors have become one of the first law firms in the England and Wales, and the very first in Devon, to be accredited under the Law Society’s prestigious Conveyancing Quality Scheme. The aim of
The Uncertainty of Chancel Repair Liability: 2011 Update
Although we have covered the topic of chancel repairs previously on this site, many clients tell us they would like to learn more about the topic. We know that the relevant law can be traced back to medieval times. The
High-value lettings risk to residential landlords
Some high value residential lettings will change status shortly, and an unwary landlord could find themselves with a shock bill. A change in the legal status of residential tenancies where the rent is more than £25,000 per year means that
What are a landlord’s gas safety obligations?
Most landlords do not know and it is important that they do as failure take the correct action is a criminal offence. This year a landlord was jailed for 2 and a half years when a tenant was badly injured
The Demise of HIPS – June 2010
HIP RIP We report on the unlamented demise of the unpopular Home Information Packs. Do I still need a HIP before I can sell my property? No. On the 20 May 2010 the new Government suspended the need for Home
Stamp Duty Land Tax – First Time Buyer Relief
Introduction The Former Chancellor Alistair Darling in his Budget on 24 March 2010 introduced relief from stamp duty land tax (SDLT) for purchases of residential property at up to £250,000 where the purchaser or all the purchasers are first time
The end of the Home Information Pack
The Home Information Pack (Home Information Pack) Suspension Order came into force on Friday 21 May 2010 What is being done and why? 1. Both members of the new coalition Government opposed the introduction of HIPs and made their abolition
Coalition Government Prepares to Make it’s Mark
It was smiles all round at the recent press conference held by Conservative PM David Cameron and Lib Dem Deputy PM Nick Clegg, but will the cheer extend to the businesses and individuals who put them in power? The short