Residential property contracts will be governed by the Law Society’s standard conditions of sale. These conditions do not include any provisions to expressly cover the event of a pandemic or epidemic, or otherwise the death or serious illness of a party.

While every transaction is different, it will generally take 2-3 months from the date a buyer is found to the buyer getting the keys, i.e. completion. Taking into account that lead-in time, there is logic in sellers still trying to get their house sales tied up now, and we continue to be instructed on new deals.

Moving house can be stressful at the best of times, but the current unsettled situation surrounding Coronavirus brings with it a set of new challenges and uncertainty.

A concern for a property owner with vacant land and buildings is the possibility of third parties taking up residency on that land or within a building.

The Government has announced plans to tackle unfair leaseholder arrangements on new build properties, but in the meantime, as the Spring housing market gets into full swing, it’s worth understanding the difference between freehold and leasehold property. 

Buying your home is probably the most expensive investment that you will ever make so it pays to get the right advice. As one of the oldest and largest firms in the South West, we aim to provide you with a swift and expert service at a competitive price.

A child may feel torn between both parents or angry and one or both parents for the relationship breaking down. Every situation will be different and depend on the unique circumstances of the family unit, but it should be everyone’s concern that the children are protected from any animosity between the parents.

A concern for a property owner with vacant land and buildings is the possibility of third parties taking up residency on that land or within a building. If a squatter is not removed quickly, they could acquire legal ownership by virtue of occupation for a period of time. This is known as ‘adverse possession’ or more commonly, ‘squatter’s rights’.

Aside from being gazumped, one of the worst fears of a party to a property transaction is the other side getting cold feet and pulling out at the last moment without a good reason.

An assured shorthold tenancy (“AST”) is traditionally used by buy-to-let landlords when granting a tenancy of a residential property and will commonly be for a period of between six to twelve months.