Residential property

RICS Consults on New Party Wall Guidance: Why It Matters for Your Project

RICS Consults on New Party Wall Guidance: Why It Matters for Your Project

RICS has launched a consultation on the draft eighth edition of its Party Wall guidance. This is a move that is likely to influence how party wall matters are handled across residential and development projects in England and Wales.

While the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 remains unchanged, the guidance plays a critical role in shaping day to day practice. It is routinely relied upon by surveyors, advisers, and increasingly by the courts when assessing whether party wall procedures have been properly followed.

What happens to jointly owned property if one owner dies?

For many homeowners in London, Surrey and across England and Wales, property is owned jointly – by spouses, civil partners, co‑habiting couples, family members or friends. A common question we are asked is: what happens to the property if one of the owners dies? Julie West Solicitors private client solicitor Emma Westsmith explains.

Building Safety Act: What It Means for You and How Julie West Solicitors Can Help

Building Safety Act: What It Means for You and How Julie West Solicitors Can Help

The Building Safety Act 2022 (as strengthened by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024) has transformed the legal landscape for anyone owning, managing, or living in a residential block. It is complex, technical, and easy to get wrong — and mistakes can be extremely costly.

At Julie West Solicitors, we specialise in guiding both freeholders and leaseholders through this high risk legislation with clarity, precision, and confidence.

Hunter's Solicitors LLP closed suddenly - need your file or transaction saved? We can help!

Hunter's Solicitors LLP closed suddenly - need your file or transaction saved? We can help!

The sudden closure of Hunters LLP and its network of associated offices has sent shockwaves through the legal sector, leaving clients without representation, property chains disrupted, and important documents locked away. With nine offices affected and reports confirming the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened, many individuals have been left unsure of their next steps.

PM Law closed suddenly - need your file or transaction saved? We can help!

PM Law closed suddenly - need your file or transaction saved? We can help!

The shock closure of PM Law and its associated 41 firms have left hundreds of clients stranded, with files missing, transactions frozen, and claims on hold. If your matter has been affected, don’t panic. Our team is stepping in to help clients get back on track fast.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What’s Changing for Landlords and Tenants?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What’s Changing for Landlords and Tenants?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is shaking up the rules for renting homes in England. Starting from 1 May, 2026, the law will change how renting works, aiming to make things fairer and clearer for everyone involved - landlords, tenants, and property managers. Specialist conveyancing solicitor Talat Naveed explains what’s new.

New Year’s resolutions for homeowners

New Year’s resolutions for homeowners

Thinking about remortgaging, transferring a property to joint names, moving home, extending your lease, taking up right to buy and right to acquire, staircasing or equity release next year? Solicitor Martin Whitehorn highlights a few key considerations for 7 of the New Year’s resolutions that homeowners may be making for 2023.

How to prevent your house being stolen from you by fraudsters

How to prevent your house being stolen from you by fraudsters

Celia Perry, specialist property solicitor at Julie West Solicitors, explains how a clergyman became a victim of fraud and the steps you can take to protect your property using Land Registry’s free property alert service.

Budget 2021: Climbing the property ladder

Budget 2021: Climbing the property ladder

Yesterday the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced much-anticipated Rates and property ladders: Martin Whitehorn discusses the stamp duty land tax extension and incentives for 95% mortgages announced in the Budget.