New Stamp Duty Rate of 7% for Properties Over £2m

  A new rate of 7% will be introduced where the chargeable consideration for a residential property is more than £2 million. This will have effect where the effective date (normally the date of completion) is on or after 22 March 2012, unless the contract was entered into before that date. An even higher rate… Continue reading New Stamp Duty Rate of 7% for Properties Over £2m

Agency Worker Regulations – Change to Qualifying Periods

  Legislation came into force on 1 October 2011, giving agency workers the same entitlement to the same basic employment and working conditions (pay, annual leave, rest breaks etc)  as if they had been recruited directly, if and when they complete a qualifying period of 12weeks in the same job. In essence after 12 weeks… Continue reading Agency Worker Regulations – Change to Qualifying Periods

Newbuy- New House Buying Scheme Launched

  A new housing buying scheme was launched today for first time buyers and home movers. The NewBuy scheme aims to assist buyers who have a deposit of at least 5 per cent to buy a new build home. This is a smaller deposit than is normally required. The scheme will allow more borrowers to… Continue reading Newbuy- New House Buying Scheme Launched

Assured Shorthold Tenancy Deposit Protection – Past, Present and Future

  Assured Shorthold Tenancy Deposit Protection – Past, Present and Future Where a tenancy is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, landlords and their agents have had to protect tenants deposits within one of three government approved schemes. The legislation was drafted poorly which allowed tenants to make large claims against landlords. The result of this was… Continue reading Assured Shorthold Tenancy Deposit Protection – Past, Present and Future

Squatters on the Rise: What to do if you find squatters in your home…

  Recent news stories have detailed the plight of residents in Ilford suffering from a sharp rise in squatters. As a Landlord of a property that lies vacant or even an occupier that is away for a short space of time it can be extremely upsetting to find strangers settled into your property. Ola Leslie… Continue reading Squatters on the Rise: What to do if you find squatters in your home…

5 Reasons to write a Will

1. Taking care of the right people – There are intestacy laws which apply when you die without a will. Some people think that this means that their family will automatically inherit everything they own. But this isn’t always the case. 2. You love your partner but… – Most of us want to provide for… Continue reading 5 Reasons to write a Will

Key Questions when Taking a New Commercial Lease

Taking a new lease of premises is a serious step. You will be entering into a long term liability that you cannot get out of easily. Below are a few key questions you should keep in mind to ensure you do not find yourself dealing with unexpected problems or obligations: Is the lease length acceptable?… Continue reading Key Questions when Taking a New Commercial Lease

Love in the Office…

So someone spots someone they really fancy at work. This can be a minefield for both the employer and employee. There is a risk of conflicts of interest and also claims for harassment especially when things don’t go to plan. Many relationships start at work; not surprising perhaps, as people spend so much time in… Continue reading Love in the Office…

Has Your Employer Offered You a Compromise Agreement?

Are you happy with the terms of the settlement? Are you getting a fair deal? There are a number of factors that affect your entitlement in the Compromise Agreement, including:- The length of time you were employed The manner in which your employment was ended Your lost earnings Your prospects of success in an Employment… Continue reading Has Your Employer Offered You a Compromise Agreement?