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Issues affecting residential property and the housing market are under greater scrutiny than ever before.

Over the past few years, the Government and the Law Commission have embarked on an extensive and wide-ranging programme of reforms to tackle perceived inequities in the housing market, launching a range of consultations and new legislation.

We understand that any changes to the legal framework affecting the development, ownership and management of assets in the residential sector will be of critical importance to your business. We are here to assist you in managing and planning in a rapidly evolving residential landscape.

Our market leading expertise and thought leadership in the residential sector puts us in an ideal position to scrutinise the proposed reforms and identify both areas of concern as well as opportunities for our clients. We have taken an active role in responding to Government consultations and keeping our clients fully appraised of the potential impact of reforms.

We act for urban estates, house builders, developers and a range of other stakeholders in the residential and mixed-use sectors. With specialist residential expertise in Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes, Planning, Private Property and Construction, as well as complimentary areas including tax and corporate structuring, we are uniquely placed to provide you with a seamless, multi-disciplinary approach enabling you to maximise the potential of your opportunities in the residential and mixed-use sectors.


The latest from Essential Residential

Access the latest resources, expert insight and advice on the key issues impacting the residential sector below. We will continue to update the hub as developments arise so watch this space.

To support you in navigating this period of significant change and transition, we have developed:

  • a hub offering strategic guidance and bespoke advice
  • a series of timeline platforms accessible below showing an overview of the changes which have been made and which are planned for two key areas: leasehold reform, and the private rented sector.
  • a Building and Fire Safety Hub for the latest news and insights on Building and Fire Safety reform. 
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Changing landscapes in residential leasehold

Recent and planned changes in the residential sector.

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Evolution of the private rented sector

Recent and planned changes in the private rented sector.

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Building and Fire Safety Hub

Building and Fire Safety Hub

Keep up to date with the latest Building and Fire safety news and insights.

Changes to Right to Work Checks from 1 July 2021

Changes to Right to Work Checks from 1 July 2021

EEA citizens and their family members are required to evidence immigration status in the UK, in the same way as other foreign nationals.

Service charge demands: a reminder of key principles

Service charge demands: a reminder of key principles

What are the key principles, implications and key takeaways?

Dispensation from consultation and major works

Dispensation from consultation and major works

The Court of Appeal upheld the FTT judgement in Aster Communities v Chapman & Others, but what does this mean for landlords and tenants?

Property Patter: what’s the latest in the world of Essential Residential?

Property Patter: what’s the latest in the world of Essential Residential?

How is commonhold going to be encouraged and will ASTs ever return to a straightforward 2 month termination process?

All change for residential tenancy notice periods: Are these the final modifications?

All change for residential tenancy notice periods: Are these the final modifications?

Reviewing the latest amendments of the The Coronavirus Act 2020.

New tax on property developers - consultation paper published

New tax on property developers - consultation paper published

The government published a consultation paper on the design of the new residential property developers tax.

Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector from 1 April 2021

Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector from 1 April 2021

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector will apply to existing specified tenancies from 1 April 2021.

Stamp Duty, Green houses and 5% deposits: The Government’s Commitment to Housebuilding Continues

Stamp Duty, Green houses and 5% deposits: The Government’s Commitment to Housebuilding Continues

We look at the current raft of measures the Government has in place to support home ownership and the housebuilding industry.

What do the new Debt Respite Scheme Regulations mean for Landlords and Tenants?

What do the new Debt Respite Scheme Regulations mean for Landlords and Tenants?

This will provide legal protection from creditors in the form of either a breathing space or a mental health crisis moratorium.

EWS1 Forms - the latest episode

EWS1 Forms - the latest episode

RICS have now published their highly anticipated guidance on when EWS1 forms will be required.

Further extension of coronavirus restrictions affecting residential properties: Where are we now?

Further extension of coronavirus restrictions affecting residential properties: Where are we now?

The extension will be implemented from and including 31 March 2021 by the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Leasehold Reform – The devil is in the detail

Leasehold Reform – The devil is in the detail

Taking a closer look at the Government’s announcement in January to reform the procedure for enfranchisement and lease extensions.

Further extension to ban on residential evictions

Further extension to ban on residential evictions

There has been a further extension of the ban on enforcement of possession orders at residential dwellings in England until 31 March 2021 .

Property Patter: The Section 20 Consultation Process

Property Patter: The Section 20 Consultation Process

The section 20 consultation process is often complex, time-consuming and increasingly subject to disputes and litigation.

Building anxieties: The impact of a possible CGT rate rise on housebuilders

Building anxieties: The impact of a possible CGT rate rise on housebuilders

As the March 2021 budget approaches and a potential CGT rate rise, what does it mean for housebuilders?

Managing risk in property management companies – corporate governance and considerations for directors

Managing risk in property management companies – corporate governance and considerations for directors

We take a closer look at the guide launched by the Companies House highlighting key considerations for flat management company directors.

Ban on residential evictions extended

Ban on residential evictions extended

The Government has extended the ban on enforcement of possession orders, read what it means here.

The journey begins….destination : commonhold

The journey begins….destination : commonhold

Following the Government's press release today, read what it means for the residential sector here.

Lifting the stay on residential possession proceedings: where are we now?

Lifting the stay on residential possession proceedings: where are we now?

The stay on all forms of possession proceedings was lifted in September, but implications for landlords still remain.

HMRC disappoints house builders and partnerships looking for SDLT relief

HMRC disappoints house builders and partnerships looking for SDLT relief

SDTL relief will only apply where a partnership or LLP was the party acquiring the property in question.

A change for the better?

A change for the better?

Lauren Fraser and Laura Bushaway consider the ramifications of the Law Commission’s proposed reforms.

Do all roads lead to commonhold?

Do all roads lead to commonhold?

The Law Commission says that adopting its proposed changes will make commonhold not only a viable alternative, but a preferable one.

A Review of MEES

A Review of MEES

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards define the minimum level of energy efficiency for tenancies in the private rental sector.

Law Commission’s proposals on enfranchisement

Law Commission’s proposals on enfranchisement

Following the long awaited release of the Law Commission's reports last month, read our analysis on the enfranchisement reforms here.

Law Commission’s proposals on exercising The Right to Manage

Law Commission’s proposals on exercising The Right to Manage

Following release of the long awaited Law Commission's reports last month, read our analysis on the exercising The Right to Manage here.

The Law Commission Proposals on Commonhold

The Law Commission Proposals on Commonhold

Following release of the long awaited Law Commission's reports, read our analysis on the Proposals on Commonhold here.

Briefing note on the consultation on Code of Practice for residential property agents

Briefing note on the consultation on Code of Practice for residential property agents

The RoPA has produced a draft of the overarching code and the RICS and The Property Ombudsman are currently consulting on it.

SDLT Holiday – points to watch out for

SDLT Holiday – points to watch out for

Laura Sheftel and Rebecca Day discuss the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday following the government announcement.

Law commission reports signal significant changes to home ownership

Law commission reports signal significant changes to home ownership

Has the time arrived for the biggest shake-up of home ownership?

Permitted Development: A right to construct new dwellings

Permitted Development: A right to construct new dwellings

We explore the new right to allow the upward extension of purpose-built blocks of flats in England.

Landlords: “Watt” to bear in mind for the new electrical safety standard regulations which go live from 1 July 2020

Landlords: “Watt” to bear in mind for the new electrical safety standard regulations which go live from 1 July 2020

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations aim to ensure electrical safety standards.

Better late than never?

Better late than never?

The Court of Appeal’s decision in Trecarrell House Limited v Rouncefield (2020) EWCA Civ 760.

Service charges and Section 20B Notices: a “procedural obstacle course” for residential landlords?

Service charges and Section 20B Notices: a “procedural obstacle course” for residential landlords?

Reviewing the No.1 West India Quay Limited v. East Tower Apartments Limited case in respect of the recovery of service charges.

Registration opens for building safety fund to replace unsafe non-ACM cladding

Registration opens for building safety fund to replace unsafe non-ACM cladding

Providing useful information regarding application for the Building Safety Fund which will remain open until 31 July 2020.

Extension of stay to possession proceedings during Coronavirus outbreak

Extension of stay to possession proceedings during Coronavirus outbreak

As the Government announced that the stay on all new and existing possession proceedings will be extended, what does it mean for landlords?

Restrictions on fees extended to all ASTs from 1 June 2020: Make sure you are up to date

Restrictions on fees extended to all ASTs from 1 June 2020: Make sure you are up to date

The Tenant Fees Act now applies to all existing qualifying tenancies, see what the changes mean here.

Property Patter: Essential Residential

Property Patter: Essential Residential

Discussing the changing landscape in residential leasehold and the private rented sector.

Court of Appeal decision on right to rent scheme

Court of Appeal decision on right to rent scheme

Court of Appeal determines that the right to rent scheme is proportionate and justified.

Solving enfranchisement conundrums

Solving enfranchisement conundrums

Laura Bushaway and Miriam Seitler answer questions that are likely to arise regarding future collective enfranchisement claims.

Government sets out proposals for new building safety measures to implement the Hackitt Report

Government sets out proposals for new building safety measures to implement the Hackitt Report

Government's proposal for a reformed building safety regulatory system in its response to the Building a Safer Future consultation.

Coronavirus Act 2020 - Implications for Residential Tenancies

Coronavirus Act 2020 - Implications for Residential Tenancies

The Government had introduced the new Coronavirus Act 2020 which will affect the termination of residential tenancies.

Government introduces the Fire Safety Bill

Government introduces the Fire Safety Bill

Parliament presented the Fire Safety Bill on 25 March 2020, which will be of particular concern to multi-occupied residential premises.

Much done but more to do: where are we now with Build to Rent?

Much done but more to do: where are we now with Build to Rent?

Summary of the third event in our Building Up series.

Landlords – something to spark your interest

Landlords – something to spark your interest

Regulations impose new duties on landlords in relation to electrical installations – with stringent penalties for non-compliance.

Law Commission valuation proposals for leasehold enfranchisement: A fair deal?

Law Commission valuation proposals for leasehold enfranchisement: A fair deal?

The Law Commission has published its report and its proposals regarding the premiums payable by leaseholders.

Q&A: The feeling is not necessarily mutual

Q&A: The feeling is not necessarily mutual

Practical implications of the grant of consent to a tenant to carry out works where a lease contains an absolute prohibition.

Landlord must give credit for anticipated payment from NHBC

Landlord must give credit for anticipated payment from NHBC

This article is about decision deals when landlords make on-account service charge demands but there is a third party making a contribution.

Building up: a planning revolution?

Building up: a planning revolution?

The Conservative Party Conference and Housing Secretary have announced the Government's "vision" for reforming the planning system.

Building and fire safety – Establishing gateways and the golden thread

Building and fire safety – Establishing gateways and the golden thread

In June 2019 the government issued its extensive consultation, Building a safer future to reform of the building safety regulatory system.

Owners beware - Don’t ignore your health and safety obligations

Owners beware - Don’t ignore your health and safety obligations

Case study on home construction projects for businesses.

Regulation of property agents: government shake up on the horizon

Regulation of property agents: government shake up on the horizon

A recent report could lead to fundamental changes in the standards required of both estate agents and property managing agents.

The End of Assured Shorthold Tenancies?

The End of Assured Shorthold Tenancies?

The Government has launched a consultation with a view to banning “no fault” notices.

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 – how does this affect Landlords in the UK?

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 – how does this affect Landlords in the UK?

Landlords in the UK are facing further changes in legislation.

Reforms to the Residential Leasehold System in England

Reforms to the Residential Leasehold System in England

Government published its response to the consultation on reforms to the residential leasehold system in England

The Tenant Fees Act 2019

The Tenant Fees Act 2019

Fundamental and extensive changes to the fees which landlords or letting agents can seek to recover.

Government announces funding for ACM cladding

Government announces funding for ACM cladding

£200m allocated by the Government to replace unsafe aluminium composite (ACM) cladding, from around 176 privately owned high-rise buildings.

Is it the end of the road for residential leasehold?

Is it the end of the road for residential leasehold?

With the form of tenure under attack from various quarters, can it survive?

Important Legislation Updates for Landlords in the UK

Important Legislation Updates for Landlords in the UK

If you are thinking of becoming a landlord, or already own residential property in the UK as an investment.

Government proposes sweeping changes to tenant evictions

Government proposes sweeping changes to tenant evictions

New consultation on proposals to end “no fault’ evictions under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act.

The end of Section 21 Notices?

The end of Section 21 Notices?

James Brokenshire MP announces that the Government intends to abolish the Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction process

Building around your tenants and neighbours

Building around your tenants and neighbours

The ability to develop will depend on whether you can do so without infringing the rights of tenants and those living nearby.

Buyers beware: even higher stamp duty land tax on purchases of UK residential property

Buyers beware: even higher stamp duty land tax on purchases of UK residential property

A look at the government's consultation proposing a further increase on SDLT payable on UK residential property.

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 Landlords Take Note: The Government is Cracking Down on Letting Fees

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 Landlords Take Note: The Government is Cracking Down on Letting Fees

The Act will have a huge financial impact on landlords' right across the residential sector.

James Souter and Lauren Fraser write for Estates Gazette on the future of residential leaseholds

James Souter and Lauren Fraser write for Estates Gazette on the future of residential leaseholds

Q&A: Who pays for fire-safe cladding?

Q&A: Who pays for fire-safe cladding?

Louise Clark and David Peachey look at who should pay for fire-safe cladding and when a rolling contract becomes a QLTA.

Q&A: The problem of short-term lets

Q&A: The problem of short-term lets

Lauren Fraser and Edward Francis address the problem of short-term lets.

Changes to Assured Shorthold Tenancies from 1 October 2018

Changes to Assured Shorthold Tenancies from 1 October 2018

We provide an overview of the Deregulation Act 2015 in relation to residential properties in England.

Government consultation to improve the leasehold sector

Government consultation to improve the leasehold sector

The government is moving forward with its plans to tackle perceived injustices in the leasehold system.

Tenants’ Associations (Provisions Relating to Recognition and Provision of Information) (England) Regulations 2018

Tenants’ Associations (Provisions Relating to Recognition and Provision of Information) (England) Regulations 2018

New Regulations issued to make it easier for tenants’ associations of residential properties in England to become legally recognised.

The Law Commission launches consultation into the leasehold enfranchisement of houses and flats

The Law Commission launches consultation into the leasehold enfranchisement of houses and flats

The highly anticipated consultation into the leasehold enfranchisement of houses and flats is now open.

The Conveyancing Process for acquiring residential property in the UK

The Conveyancing Process for acquiring residential property in the UK

This article outlines some important aspects to consider in relation to the acquisition of a UK residential property.

Q&A: Handling responses to buyers’ enquiries

Q&A: Handling responses to buyers’ enquiries

Robert Highmore and Claire Thompson consider how to handle responses to buyers’ enquiries effectively.

MEES – Will your property be lettable after April 2018?

MEES – Will your property be lettable after April 2018?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will apply to private rented commercial and domestic premises from 1 April 2018.

Extending your home: what are the legal considerations?

Extending your home: what are the legal considerations?

A look at the legal considerations when extending your home.

Legal Q&A: service contract terms

Legal Q&A: service contract terms

James Souter answers questions relating to service contract terms.

Management company restrictions: Are they necessary or desirable?

Management company restrictions: Are they necessary or desirable?

A look at management company restrictions, their use as a tool for developers, the Land Registry’s current stance and future consultation.

The near-impossibility of defining a "house"

The near-impossibility of defining a "house"

A look at the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in Grosvenor v Merix International.

Were service charge changes a winning formula?

Were service charge changes a winning formula?

It is 15 years since the current service charge consultation regime entered the statute book.

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