This article details the major changes affecting major investors coming into force from April 2020. New EPC regulations Changes to the tax reliefs available for income tax and capital gains tax Tenants’ deposits Electrical safety standards A new surcharge on stamp duty land tax for foreign buyers of residential property Written by Louise Thomas, a London-based solicitor with over 25 years experience in all aspects of property conveyancing, this article will assist practitioners in advising landlord clients.

Additions to the Sale and Purchase of Land commentaries have analysed the law and practice in relation to boundaries to assist practitioners who are called upon to prepare boundary agreements or to seek the determination of a boundary. Read more...

The Property information form TA6 has been updated. The changes are in relation to Japanese knotweed, flood risk, radon and septic tanks.

Japanese knotweed has been highly problematic for sellers, buyers and lenders for many years. Its invasion can affect not only the structure of a property but also its value. Thanks to the success of specialist treatments and the availability of indemnity insurance fewer purchasers are withdrawing from sales due to its presence, and the reduction in purchase price sought has significantly reduced. It is believed that Japanese knotweed will be under control by 2040.

A precedent Reservation Agreement has been added to the sale and purchase of land guides. The agreement is designed to bind the parties to an agreed pre-exchange time frame in which the seller will not deal with third parties, and the buyer will either exchange the offered contract or withdraw on discovery of serious adverse affectations through the usual investigations, searches and enquiries. By this means the parties are able, immediately following agreement and issue of the contract, to be confident that the transaction will proceed in the absence of unforeseen and unexpected circumstances.

Our author has recently reviewed the probate publication providing several new precedents and amending the commentary. Additional automation was also added to some of the precedents to increase flexibility and efficient usage.

The By Lawyers Financial Remedy publication has been reviewed and updated by our authors as part of our continuing review process. The review included several new precedents and greater commentary detail.

In response to a subscriber request, By Lawyers have published a New Build Contract for Sale. We would welcome any feedback subscribers might have.

The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 enabling opposite-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership come into force on 2 December. This means that after a 28-day notice period, the first heterosexual civil partnership ceremonies could take place any time from the 31st December.

According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) almost one quarter of firms do not adequately explain leasehold tenure and the associated issues. Accordingly, By Lawyers have reviewed the precedent Report on title – Leasehold in an effort to provide clients with a much clearer understanding of the implications of purchasing a leasehold estate. Plain language communications, particularly with clients, is a primary focus for By Lawyers.

The commentary on the completion of the declaration of trust panel in transfers has been expanded to assist practitioners to correctly complete the panel. Read more...

Did you know that the LEAP completion statement can include leasehold apportionments? Read more...

The commentary has been amended to clarify the process of extension of leasehold estates under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and the consequential statutory reduction of rent to a peppercorn rental which is not open to the landlord to dispute.

The Practice Management publication is undergoing a makeover to ensure it complies with best practice and SRA regulations. Read more...

A co-ownership deed has been added to the Purchase of Land guide, setting out the arrangements between tenants in common. Read more...