More and more people are choosing to own property jointly, not just with partners, but also with siblings, parents or even friends. It can seem like the perfect solution – pool your resources, making it much easier to raise an acceptable deposit. But buying a house with someone else is not always straightforward, even if that person is the one … Read More
When do business occupiers have the right to renew their lease?
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“the Act”) is an important piece of legislation that provides rights and protection to business tenants. Part II of the Act gives business tenants who occupy premises for business purposes “security of tenure”, which is of fundamental importance to both landlords and tenants in terms of their initial lease negotiations and the actions that … Read More
Is property fraud really a thing?
Well, the short answer to that question is: ‘Yes’! But what does that actually mean? What is property fraud, and how can it affect you? More importantly, how can you protect yourself against it? The most common form of property fraud is where a criminal pretends to be you, in order to sell your property without your knowledge, and pockets … Read More
Can I transfer my business lease?
This is a question frequently asked by Tenants and one which can generally only be answered by a careful review of the lease. If the lease does not contain any written restriction upon transfer or assignment, then you are free to transfer it to a new Tenant subject to complying with any terms in the lease requiring the Landlord to … Read More
Higher Rate Stamp Duty Land Tax
The Higher Rates for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) came into force on 1st April 2016. The higher rate is calculated as a 3% surcharge on the standard rates, and applies to all purchases of a second residential dwelling, unless an exemption applies. How will you know whether you will have to pay the higher rate? First of all, it … Read More
Morrish strengthens team with three new appointments
Morrish Solicitors have announced three key appointments at their West Yorkshire offices. Joining the firm’s Employment team in Leeds is Solicitor Hannah Boynes, who qualified in 2012 and obtained Higher Rights in 2014. Hannah also qualified as a Solicitor-Advocate after completing her training in civil litigation and employment and will be dealing with a wide range of employment matters including unfair dismissal and discrimination at Morrish. Employment Partner … Read More
No Inheritance Tax on estates worth up to £1 million? Not quite!
George Osborne announced the introduction of an additional Inheritance Tax (IHT) Nil Rate Band (NRB) for a person’s main residence in the Summer 2015 Budget. This was good news for with wealth tied up in their family home. The existing NRB of £325,000 per person or £650,000 per couple, on which 40% IHT is not paid, will remain the same. But from … Read More
Commercial Property Solicitor Vacancy
Commercial Property Solicitor Due to the expansion of our property team, we are looking to recruit a Commercial Property Solicitor. The ideal candidate will be at least 5 years PQE, be able to work independently and manage their own caseload. They will also develop the commercial property area of the business. The role is flexible and we are willing to … Read More
Buying or selling your home? Here’s what you need to know…
How long will my sale/purchase take? It is difficult to put a precise timescale on a conveyancing transaction. In general we would say somewhere between 4-6 weeks. However, this is dependent on a number of outside factors. Some lenders take a while to issue mortgage offers. Sometimes there can be problems with the legal title to the property which need … Read More
Buying or selling your home? Here's what you need to know…
How long will my sale/purchase take? It is difficult to put a precise timescale on a conveyancing transaction. In general we would say somewhere between 4-6 weeks. However, this is dependent on a number of outside factors. Some lenders take a while to issue mortgage offers. Sometimes there can be problems with the legal title to the property which need … Read More
Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax rates for Buy-to-Let properties and second homes
As a result of the Chancellor’s Autumn statement, the rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for Buy-to-let (BTL) and 2nd properties will increase by 3% from 1st April 2016. Below is a table of the new rates. Please note these only extend to residential properties, not commercial ones. As well as having a knock on effect for those buying … Read More
Stop Press – Changes to Stamp Duty
The Chancellor has announced major changes to Stamp Duty in his Autumn statement. These changes will come into effect from midnight tonight. From now on, the first £125,000.00 of ALL purchase properties will be free from Stamp Duty. The portion of the price from £125,000.00 to £250,000.00 will now be paid at 2%. The next portion up to £925,000.00 will … Read More
Help to Buy Mortgages
There has been a lot of publicity over the last 18 months about Help to Buy Mortgages. This is a scheme which is available to allbuyers who have a 5% deposit available. In order to qualify for a Help to Buy mortgage, you do not have to be a first time buyer. However, there are certain criteria that will need to be met. For instance, … Read More
A Property Purchaser's Guide
Summer is here, Andy Murray has just won Wimbledon, a Brit is currently leading the Tour de France, and the Ashes are about to start. Rumour has it that banks are even starting to increase their lending. With experts telling us how positive all this is for the economy, now may well be a good time to start thinking about … Read More
A Property Purchaser’s Guide
Summer is here, Andy Murray has just won Wimbledon, a Brit is currently leading the Tour de France, and the Ashes are about to start. Rumour has it that banks are even starting to increase their lending. With experts telling us how positive all this is for the economy, now may well be a good time to start thinking about … Read More
