More agents taking pre-contract fees from prospective purchasers, claim (PIE)
According to the Guardian, “growing numbers of home buyers are in effect being charged for the privilege of having their offer accepted” – a practice banned in Scotland but not […]
TPO defends code change over buyers’ pre-contract deposits (EAT)
The Property Ombudsman’s office has defended a change to its code of practice which, according to a national newspaper, means agents in England and Wales can ask purchasers for £1,000 […]
Law Society may intervene in landmark fraud case (LSG)
The Court of Appeal will be tasked with offering landmark guidance on the liability of professionals where property is purchased through an ID fraud.
Network Rail faces compensation bill worth millions after japaneses knotweed ruling
Network Rail is facing compensation claims that could total tens of millions of pounds after a landmark court ruling on damage caused to homes by Japanese knotweed growing on its […]
Santander to review clause suggesting landlords hike rents to ‘maximum’ achievable (PIE)
The Government may be focusing on letting agent fees to make renting fairer for tenants, but an interesting story has emerged regarding landlord contracts with their lenders.
Government to fund group to provide leasehold transparency (EAT)
Housing minister Gavin Barwell says the government will provide “substantial investment” to ensure more transparency in leasehold tenure.
Bank fined £163m for money laundering failings (LSG)
The Financial Conduct Authority has fined Deutsche Bank AG more than £160 million for failing to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering framework.
Regulator’s ‘transparency’ proposals could mislead clients
Providing raw regulatory data on solicitor firms could mislead clients and undermine their ability to exercise informed choice, the Law Society said today, responding to Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) proposals.
Agents warned after rise in cases involving identity theft in property sales (PIE)
Agents are being warned to be on their guard as property fraud involving identity thefts of sellers grows, with a case due to go to the Court of Appeal this […]
Housing association chief takes reins temporarily at the Law Society (LF)
A non-lawyer housing specialist has been named interim chief executive of the Law Society ahead of Catherine Dixon’s departure tomorrow.
Retiring solicitor ‘grossly negligent’ to allow property fraud (LSG)
A sole practitioner looking for a way out of his firm has been suspended after employing people without background checks who turned out to be criminals.
Law Society appoints interim chief executive (LSG)
Paul Tennant OBE, who recently stepped down as chief executive of the housing association Orbit after 14 years in the role, will join the Society next Monday. Tennant has spent […]