Real Estate and Construction Newsletter - August 2017
Welcome to the August edition of our Real Estate and Construction Newsletter
In this issue we reflect on a number of changes and updates across the industry, including the publication of the new NEC4 construction contract and the government's plans to tackle air pollution and the impact it may have on local authorities.
We look at the potential application of Blockchain technology in future real estate transactions, as well as examining opportunities for VAT savings on the sale of land.
Finally, this month's case law update focuses on Ground (f), the redevelopment ground of opposition under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.
Blockchain: the new face of real estate
Blockchain is known by most as the platform for the operation of Bitcoin. In this article Mark White asks what exactly is blockchain and why should the real estate industry sit up and pay attention to this technology? He also outlines some risks and issues that may surround its application in real estate transactions. To read the article in full please click here.
The new NEC4: what are the changes?
The new NEC4 suite of contracts was released on 22 June 2017. In this article James Worthington sets out a summary of the key changes and new features including the new DBO form and the new alliance contract. To read the article in full please click here.
A fixed and settled intention to obtain vacant possession!
Georgina Redsell looks at the recent case of S Frances v the Cavendish Hotel (London) Ltd (2017) and the decision as to whether motive is relevant in satisfying Ground (f) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. To read the article in full please click here.
Golden opportunities for VAT savings on the sale of land
Helen Coward explains the two instances where a developer can avoid the cost of incurring VAT upfront when acquiring a bare or existing commercial site for redevelopment. To read the article in full please click here.
Improving our air quality - an update on the Government's plans
The Government published its final 'UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations' on 26th July. Helen Hutton looks at where we are now and the likely impacts on local authorities. To read the article in full please click here.
