More vigilance needed in Mortgage sector as email scams increase (TC)
Poor security, the use of vulnerable email accounts, or clicking on seemingly innocent phishing links have been blamed for these losses.
Chancellor faces new calls to cut Stamp Duty as buying agent reveals slump in demand for second homes (PIE)
Buying agent Black Brick has expressed the hope that the Chancellor reduces Stamp Duty rates, warning that the property tax and Brexit have put buyers off purchasing second properties and […]
Uncertain times for conveyancing as market so unpredictable (PIE)
Conveyancers have reported an annual boost in transactions, helped mainly by challenger firms rather than established brands.
Electronic signatures are valid say Government’s legal experts (IC)
Electronic signatures can be used to sign formal legal contracts under English law, the Law Commission has confirmed from the Government.
Accountancy body reiterates call for Stamp Duty liability switch to sellers (IC)
A professional body for accountants has reiterated its call for Stamp Duty Land Tax to become the responsibility of property sellers following comments from former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson that […]
Don’t panic: drama but no crisis in legal PII market (LSG)
The abrupt departure of top-200 insurer Libra, following hard on the heels of Aspen’s withdrawal, supports anecdotal evidence that the market is beginning to harden.
Speed up ban on abusive leasehold rules, law firm urges government (EAT)
A specialist property law firm is calling on the government to speed up changes in the law to avoid abusive leasehold practices.
Surveyors want to an end to the HomeBuyers Survey lottery (IC)
The Residential Property Surveyors Association aims to end the lottery for home buyers put off commissioning surveys by inconsistent quality and content.
Law Commission gives green light to electronic signatures (LSG)
No change in the law is necessary for electronic signatures to meet a statutory requirement for a signature on a document, the Law Commission has concluded.
The NatWest Bank launches the UK’s first paperless mortgage (IC)
Customers of NatWest can now apply for a completely digital mortgage, and can potentially receive an offer within 24 hours.
Society urges City watchdog urged to probe conveyancing panels (LSG)
The Law Society says a lack of transparency surrounding the reasons why firms are rejected from a panel is unhelpful.
Top-200 law firm insurer quits market – with ‘frightening’ consequences (LSG)
Libra Managers, which provides cover to 20 of the top-200, confirmed it will not underwrite any new business from 1 October.