Essential Residential Hub

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill: Where are we now?

What further changes does the Bill make to the administration of service charges paid by residential long leaseholders?

Overview of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill: What are the key provisions?

The Leasehold Reform and Freehold Bill is a wide-ranging bill which will make changes to lease extension, enfranchisement, right to manage, service charges and estate management charges. 

Property Patter: the Renters Reform Bill

The King’s Speech has reiterated the Government’s commitment to the Renters Reform Bill.

Renters (Reform) Bill: What are the key headlines?

A summary of the key provisions of the Renters (Reform) Bill and how it might affect you.

Building and Fire Safety Hub

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

The Debt Respite Scheme two years on – Where are we now?

Two years ago, the Debt Respite Scheme came into force, but what does it mean now?

Reform of Assured Shorthold Tenancies: The Decent Homes Standard and Property Portal

What is the proposed Decent Homes Standard under the Renters’ Reform Bill?

Reform of Assured Shorthold Tenancies: Abolishing Section 21 Notices

Alongside the abolition of Section 21, the Government plans to transition Assured Shorthold tenancies to periodic tenancies.

Further provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022 in force on 6 April 2023

The Fourth Commencement Order for parts of the Building Safety Act 2022 will bring various provisions of the BSA 2022 into force.

Ageing the New Zealand Righthold way: is Leasehold Plus right for the UK?

We must consider how our housing supply can meet the needs of our ageing population.

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022: Landlords and developers beware serious sanctions for non-compliance

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 8 February 2022 and will come into force on 30 June 2022.

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

We discuss recent cases of interest to those dealing with residential property.

Building Safety Act 2022

Everything you need to know about the Building Safety Act 2022

Avoid Technical Arguments to Thwart the Eviction Process

Everything you need to know about avoiding technical arguments

The impact of ground rent reforms on Integrated Retirement Communities

The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill, which limits ground rents in new residential long leases, received Royal Assent on 8 February 2022.

Property Patter: Avoiding the AST paperwork traps

We discuss the paperwork required and the implications of non-compliance, in regards to regaining possession of the property in the future.

The changing leasehold landscape: Government consultation on reforming the leasehold and commonhold systems in England and Wales

Lauren Fraser and Laura Bushaway explore the changes occurring in the leasehold landscape process.

A closer look at the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill

Laura Fraser and Laura Bushaway explore the impacts of the leasehold reform bill.

Examining the draft RPDT legislation

Helen Coward considers the important aspects of the draft legislation for the new residential property developer tax.

Top 5 Data Protection Tips

The top 5 data protection considerations for those involved in the residential property and housing market, including landlords and managing agents.

Residential property developers tax: How might this impact the retirement living sector?

Helen Coward and Cara Fulker explain how residential property developers tax might impact the retirement living sector.

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

What are the key principles, implications and key takeaways?

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?

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?

Reviewing the latest amendments of the The Coronavirus Act 2020.

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

Solving enfranchisement conundrums

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

Coronavirus Act 2020 - Implications for Residential Tenancies

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

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

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?

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

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.

Construction & Engineering

We understand the challenges on large scale construction and engineering projects and can provide you with a personable, highly responsive specialist service.

Real Estate & Disputes

Whether we are representing your personal or business interests, we aim to build a long-term partnership with you throughout the entire property asset life cycle. 

Planning & Environment

We provide tailored commercial planning and environmental advice to developers, landowners and investors.

Private Property

For those with personal property assets or those looking to purchase them.