The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on most businesses. As for the property sector, the stamp duty holiday appears to have played a part in strengthening the residential property market, which has encouraged many developers to continue to locate strategic sites. Entrepreneurs are closely monitoring distressed assets and, with budgets stretched, investors and… Read more »
As COVID-19 continues to impact the ability for individuals and businesses to work and sign documents, the Land Registry has introduced further changes to allow conveyancing Deeds to be executed using electronic signatures rather than in person. In order to register a “disposition” at the Land Registry, you are required to submit a copy of… Read more »
All sectors have been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another, not least the farming industry. This comes at a time where there is already much reform and changes to farming occurring, including the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), a system of rural grants and payments that provide help to the farming industry. What Changes… Read more »
Q&A: My father has recently passed and I am the executor of his estate. He had a lot of personal effects, which my relatives are squabbling over. What should I do? These personal effects are called chattels. As executor, it is your duty to collect his personal effects and distribute them to the beneficiaries of the Will…. Read more »
If you are the owner of a flat above a commercial unit, you may be wondering if you could sell the flat to unlock some extra cash. Marina Banks, Commercial Property Solicitor, explains what this process involves and the key points you need to consider. When you own both the commercial unit and residential unit… Read more »
Many economists and politicians are predicting the end of office working and high street retail following the dramatic shift to home working and online shopping this year. Fewer shops and offices may be required in the future as these changes herald permanent shifts in behaviour. New uses will need to be found for some of… Read more »
Ben Thomas, Solicitor in our Commercial Property team, gives an example of how the team recently dealt with creating a commercial lease through a surrender and re-grant despite complex title issues on behalf of a client. Our commercial property team acted for a landlord in the restructuring of an investment property’s tenancy. The client owned… Read more »
James Goddard, Partner, gives an example of how our Commercial Property team dealt with a recent sale of a derelict farm, despite the COVID-19 difficulties. Our Commercial Property team acted in the purchase of a derelict farm for a client and negotiated the terms of an overage agreement. An overage agreement contains an obligation on… Read more »
On 19th June, the Government announced a ‘Code of Practice for commercial property relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic’ (the “Code”) to assist commercial property landlords and tenants during the pandemic. During the unprecedented economic disruption caused by COVID-19, many commercial tenants have had to approach landlords to discuss rental terms. This in turn has put… Read more »
As people and businesses continue to adapt and find new ways of working following the COVID-19 outbreak, on 4th May 2020, the Land Registry introduced temporary changes to processes including identity verification and signing deeds. These changes are intended to provide applicants with an alternative way to comply with existing Land Registry requirements that, in… Read more »
