Commonhold ‘must earn market approval’ to be viable leasehold alternative (LSG)
The Law Commission’s proposals to make commonhold an attractive alternative form of property ownership may not be enough to reinvigorate it, the Law Society has warned.
Guild claims highest market share and targets big rise in membership (EAT)
The Guild of Property Professionals says its network of over 800 independent estate agents across the UK has, collectively, the highest market share of new instructions coming to the market […]
Homes England launches its interactive Land Hub (IC)
Nearly 2,500 acres ready for development will be made available to developers, including small and medium-sized building companies, to purchase and get properties built.
Law Firms Amongst Quickest To Report Data Breaches Pre GDPR (TC)
A recent Freedom of Information request has found that law firms were amongst the quickest organisations to react and report data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Referral fees and what the new crackdown could mean for agents (PIE)
There are those that boast that they never pay referral fees, because “they are so good”, and those who bleat that “we can’t win work unless we pay referral fees”.
Purplebricks enquirer advised that firm would get over £380 conveyancing referral fee (PIE)
A potential customer of Purplebricks was told that the firm would be paid a referral fee of £382.85 plus VAT for conveyancing.
First time buyers slam fees for mortgages, removers and conveyancers (EAT)
Half of first time buyers say they made expensive mistakes during their process of purchasing their home, with mortgage brokers, removal companies and conveyancers in the firing line.
Freehold ‘Inequality Of Arms’ Scrapped Under Leasehold Reforms (TC)
“It is the secretary of state’s intention to close the legal loopholes that allow freeholders to unjustifiably recoup legal costs from leaseholders.”
Agent shuts business and rips into ‘lying sellers and lazy solicitors’ (EAT)
Maverick Cornish estate agent Chris Wood has quit the industry with a stinging attack on those who have “taken their toll” on him over 30 years.
Property Sector Poses Economic Risk From AML Perspective (TC)
A new report released on 8th March 2019 believes that the UK’s anti-money laundering system is fragmented and needs urgently re-ordering.
Mortgage lenders worried about commonhold insolvency (LSG)
Mortgage lenders are reluctant to lend money to homebuyers in a commonhold set-up over insolvency fears, says the Law Commission, which has been tasked by the government to find ways […]
HMRC is turning its sights to smaller agents so put compliance top of your agenda (PIE)
MPs described estate agents as the “weak link” in the anti-money laundering regime, in a new report on economic crime from the Treasury Select Committee which called for HMRC to […]