ABS preparing to launch group negligence action against conveyancers (LF)
An alternative business structure is preparing to launch a group negligence action against conveyancers working for the developers and purchasers of ‘help to buy’ leasehold housing.
VAT and property search fees: Tribunal to hear appeal (LSG)
The Law Society has sought permission to intervene in an appeal to the First-tier Tax Tribunal by a firm facing challenge by HMRC for its treatment of VAT on property search […]
Barrister raises questions about duties owed by online agents to sellers (PIE)
A leading barrister has raised several questions about the duties owed by online estate agents to their customers.
Annual property sales crash 40% after Government’s Stamp Duty hike (PIE)
The number of UK residential property transactions dropped by 40% annually in March 2017, skewed by last year’s Stamp Duty rush.
Industry great kick starts fundraising challenges for 2017 (TC)
Peter Sowerby, Client Relationship Manager at Search Acumen, ran the London Marathon yesterday to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and awareness of the disease, which he has been fighting […]
‘Gold plated’ money laundering plans threaten new burden on firms (LSG)
‘Gold plated’ regulations transposing the EU’s fourth money laundering directive into UK law threaten to impose unnecessary burdens on law firms, the Law Society has told the government.
LeO keen on bringing unregulated providers within its remit (LF)
The Legal Ombudsman (has pledged to avoid pursuing an “expansionist” strategy when considering extending its jurisdiction, but nevertheless welcomed the Competition and Markets Authority’s (suggestion that it could handle complaints […]
Election could kill probate fee ‘tax’ (LSG)
Controversial probate fee rises could be another casualty of the snap general election in June, it has emerged.
LSB to lead push for “minimum disclosures” by law firms on price and service (LF)
The Legal Services Board has said it expects frontline regulators to introduce compulsory “minimum disclosures” by law firms on price, service, redress and regulatory status.
SRA attacks “disproportionate and unnecessary” money laundering regulations (LF)
New anti-money laundering regulations planned by the Treasury would impose “disproportionate and unnecessary” burdens on law firms, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned.
Landmark moment as buyers and sellers exchange contracts using e-signatures – a first in UK conveyancing? (PIE)
Buyers and sellers have exchanged contracts on a house using electronic signatures.
First-ever electronic e-signature exchange of contracts (EAT)
The first ever electronic e-signature exchange of contracts for a residential property transaction in the UK has been completed this month, it has been revealed.