Four-legged friends and five-figure fines: property stories you might have missed
From a government U-turn on pet insurance to rising conveyancer caseloads, here are 10 recent stories worth a read if you’re a property solicitor.
1. Lesser-known commercial conveyancing obstacles
Inside Conveyancing
A look at the challenges surrounding lease terms, taxes and overall rising costs, which can affect both commercial buyers and vendors during negotiations.
2. Property transactions sluggish but average conveyancer caseloads rise
Estate Agent Today
Market consolidation in the conveyancing sector is creating a strain on the average caseloads for law firms, research suggests.
3. Five reasons why the government's new economic plan is big news for solicitors and firms
The Law Society
The UK government’s new industrial strategy outlines its economic plans for the next 10 years, with some big implications for legal services.
4. Legal challenges limited to speed up infrastructure building
Property Wire
Only one legal challenge will be permitted on decisions on major infrastructure in a bid to reduce building delays, the UK government has announced.
5. No end to uncertainty on leasehold reform
Property Industry Eye
A year after it became law, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act is still welcomed by property professionals in principle – but confusion and delay have left many in limbo.
6. Fixed fee firms are conducting matters more cheaply, regulator reveals
The Law Society Gazette
Research shows that firms offering fixed prices are ‘significantly cheaper’ than those working off fee estimates, with the difference most notable in conveyancing.
7. Pet insurance U-turn attacked by letting agents and property lawyers
The Negotiator
The UK government's decision to drop a requirement for tenants to have insurance for pets from the Renters’ Rights Bill is condemned by the property sector.
8. Parts of Renters’ Rights Bill may take until 2027 to implement
Letting Agent Today
Changes to tenancy agreements and possession rules may come into effect this year but more complex elements, such as the landlord and agent database, are expected later.
9. Three more firms hit with AML fines by SRA, as changes loom
The Law Society Gazette
Three conveyancing firms have been fined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over anti-money laundering breaches.
10. What lies ahead for house prices?
Mortgage Strategy
With the number of homes listed for sale at a 10-year high, industry experts are gauging where house prices will go next.