Private Roads
My solicitor has advised me that the development site that I am trying to buy is situated on a private road. What implications does this have for my development? Read More
Judicial Review
I am entering into a contract conditional on a satisfactory planning consent being granted. My solicitor tells me that it is important to allow for a “judicial review” period. Is this essential? Read More
Share of Freehold
So you have done it. You have been through the process of buying your freehold and you have emerged the other side as proud new ‘share of freeholders’. So what now? Read More
Stamp Duty Holiday – The End is Nigh
The Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief for first time buyers buying a property between £125,001 and £250,000 comes to an end on 24th March 2012. Read More
Good News!
Ashworths are delighted to announce that Diana Greenham, Rachel McKendrick and James Simmonds are now partners in the firm.
This appointment not only significantly strengthens the existing management team, but also acknowledges the hard work and ability of these three outstanding individuals. Read More
Watch what you’re stepping in to…
My grandmother used to refer to it as “stepping out” or, if feeling particularly modern, “courting”. At the time that the second Heir to the throne has announced his engagement, what are the pit-falls of moving in with your other half?
Apart from the inevitable squabble about dirty washing up being left in the sink (which I should imagine HRH has under control) there are a number of issues that co-habiting couples should be aware of, particularly if buying or renting a property. Read More
Ashworths announces further expansion of their Commercial Property Department
Ashworths are pleased to announce that Michael Thom returns to the Firm in September to join Andrew, Brendan and James in the Commercial Property team dealing with Landlord and Tenant work and Residential Property Development.
Michael will already be known to some of the Firm’s clients having worked with us a couple of years ago prior to his qualification. Read More
The Big Moving Day
I always think that moving house is rather like giving birth-months of waiting and then the big day being the birth or in the case of a house, the exchange of contracts. Reaching this point is all consuming and it is only after it has happened that you are left literally holding the baby and no one warned you what would happen next (or if they did you chose to ignore it).
In the pre computer age it was usual to have one month between exchange and completion in order to have time to arrange changeover of utilities and order mortgage funds -and get over the shock of having actually exchanged and the realisation that you are really moving. Nowadays you pick up a phone or go on line to register with utility companies, council tax and water rates, and lenders only need one week to release funds. So suddenly completion can be upon you rather quickly and a week or two between exchange and completion is not uncommon, if all parties agree and a remover can be found. Read More
Selling your home with a “Full Service History”
Having a car with a full service history can add value to your vehicle. Adopting the same approach to selling your home can have similar results.
The introduction of Home Information Packs two years ago means that certain basic items of information have to be available before a property can be marketed. However, home owners should be aware that in an increasingly tough market buyers (and their solicitors) are getting more and particular about the information that they receive about your property. Read More
Auction purchases – flourishing during the recession
Going once, going twice, sold! What can be more exciting than buying a property at auction?
This is a question that you might now be able to ask an increasing number of your friends and colleagues, as buying a property at auction becomes less and less the preserve of the seasoned investor, and a more accepted way of buying an investment property or even a home to live in. Read More
General Permitted Development Rights
Householders currently enjoy significant permitted development rights which largely remove the need to apply for planning permission for someone looking to alter or extend their home within certain ‘permitted development’ levels.
Under Planning legislation as a general rule all developments require planning permission. However, certain types of development are low impact and it is considered unnecessary for those people wishing to carry out such developments to make an application for planning permission. The permitted development rights therefore save time and resources by ‘automatically’ allowing certain types of development thereby reducing the burden on the householder and council alike. . Read More
