News
Lenders increasingly control not just the terms of borrowing, but the borrower’s legal representation, often insisting on an “approved panel” solicitor and making it costly or slow to use a trusted adviser outside it. This post explains how panel requirements tend to reward volume over judgment, why the risk rationale is overstated, and what the shift means for borrowers, property owners and developers when transactions are anything but standard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
