A new consultation has been launched by the Government on reforming the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for social and privately rented homes. Historically, the DHS applied only to the social rented sector, but proposals now aim to extend a reformed version of the standard to the private rented sector.

For some months now, all in the residential property industry have been working on the basis that the Renters' Rights Bill would have received Royal Assent by the time MPs packed their suncream and beach reads and headed off on their summer holidays.

Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the progress (or lack thereof) of the proposed reform of the private rented sector will be aware that it stalled under the previous Conservative government. In today's Kings Speech we heard that progressing rental reform is something the new Labour government very much want to take forward and the preliminary indications are that this new Bill will be more than just a name change.

One of the joys of living in the southwest is the access to the countryside that can be enjoyed. Many people will make regular use of the network of paths and trails - for the morning dog walk, for a lengthy weekend ramble or perhaps for something as simple as a shortcut to school – without ever giving their existence much thought.

Whatever your views on the wisdom, or otherwise, of the Prime Minister’s announcement this week to row back from a raft of ‘green’ measures which had been designed to help the country meet its Net Zero targets, one group who may be breathing a sigh of relief are residential landlords.

The right to wild camp on Dartmoor has been allowed under local law for decades until earlier this year when it was challenged by a local landowner. This insight takes a further look at the case in question where landowners argued that wild camping should not be classed as open-air recreation.

Thinking about buying a house with your partner? Or perhaps you’re considering purchasing property with a friend or family member? Alternatively, you might be planning to move in with someone who already owns a property.

If you are someone who is either contemplating taking the plunge as a buy-to-let investor, or you are contemplating expanding your existing portfolio, you may be feeling nervous. At a time when there is a fairly well-publicised exodus of landlords from the private rented sector, is it sensible to consider swimming against the tide?

A recently reported case has added to the ever-growing pile of reported cases. These cases involve the impact that restrictive covenants can have on thwarting the plans of entrepreneurial landowners.

We take a look at a recent case brought to light by media coverage of a misrepresentation claim by the owner of a house against the former owners. The matter involved alleged misrepresentation of the existence of Japanese Knotweed in the garden and the former owner's apparent failure to disclose its presence when selling.

Many private residential landlords will currently be focusing on the looming prospect of the loss of section 21 notices and the disappearance of ASTs, and how this will impact upon them. Undoubtedly, these will be seismic changes with the sector.

The short answer is that the time it takes to obtain vacant possession can be near impossible to predict. There can – and often are – a variety of different variables that come into play.