Stamp duty reform expected to help first time buyers (TC)
Stamp duty reform is being considered ahead of the Autumn Budget, according to reports. The proposals, if they go forward, could make a massive difference to the housing market.
Ex-FBI cyber chief warns lawyers over corporate espionage (LF)
Basic digital housekeeping like keeping software up-to-date and backing up data separately from your network will solve most cyber-security issues – with corporate espionage one issue law firms have to […]
Regulatory body could be established to tackle leasehold abuse (LSG)
A regulatory body could be set up to protect leaseholders as part of an effort to tackle abuse in the property market, the government has revealed.
Commisery for Purplebricks as advertising watchdog demands changes to online agent’s TV adverts (PIE)
Two ‘commisery’ TV adverts for Purplebricks must not be broadcast again in their original form after the advertising watchdog ruled that they did not make it sufficiently clear that sellers […]
Government to hold crucial housing summit (TC)
Theresa May’s government is set to hold a crucial housing summit today at 10 Downing Street. Representatives of many of the major house builders are thought to have been asked […]
Solicitor who handled conveyancing transaction through unregulated business sanctioned (LF)
A solicitor who conducted a conveyancing transaction through a business that was not authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority has accepted a rebuke and £2,000 fine for his misconduct.
Teenage online boss says his estate agency is already one of UK’s biggest (EAT)
The 19 year old boss of online agency Doorsteps claims that his website has sold £100m worth of homes and currently lists over 1,000 properties.
West Bromwich Building Society chooses My Home Move as new conveyancing partner (TC)
The West Bromwich Building Society has chosen My Home Move as an additional partner, thanks to their shared values for putting the customer first.
It’s a first – house seller insists they will only accept offers in Bitcoin currency (PIE)
The sellers of the £17m property in trendy Notting Hill will only accept the digital currency.
Blockchain deal bodes ill for conveyancers (LSG)
The tamper-proof nature of blockchain data could render redundant the Land Registry, as well as the role of intermediaries in checking every stage of a transaction. This might include solicitors.
Metamorph continues buyout spree with BPL purchase (LSG)
Consolidator Metamorph Law has made a further acquistion with the buyout of south-west conveyancing firm BPL Solicitors.
Stamp Duty ‘could be linked to energy efficiency’ says minister (EAT)
A minister has floated the idea that stamp duty could be reduced on homes where sellers have improved energy efficiency.