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.

The By Lawyers Mortgages Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. Read more...

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

Relevant commentaries on Capital Gains Tax also include the upcoming changes to Private Residence Relief and Letting Relief. Also remember from April 2020 capital gains tax on the disposal of residential land is payable within 30 days of completion. Private residence relief is available for the years the home was owner occupied plus the last 18 months, even if not occupied by the owner. This 18 month period is reducing to 9 months from April 2020. Where part or all of the property has at some time in the period of ownership been let as residential accommodation letting relief is available. However from April 2020 letting relief will only be available where the owner is also living in the property.

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 By Lawyers Domestic Violence publication has been reviewed and updated by our authors as part of our continuing review process. This review saw the commentary in particular enriched with a deeper more practical approach to running such a matter.

The commentary in the Mortgages guide now includes an analysis of the applicability of regulation of private lending under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer

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.

UK By Lawyers author Robin Charrot of Evolve Family Law has just completed a comprehensive review of the Divorce publication. He notes that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was introduced June 2019 and has passed through a second reading in parliament. Whilst the actual introduction date is as yet unclear, he forewarns there will be a need for significant changes to the Family Procedure Rules to enable the legislation. By Lawyers is keenly watching the progress of these changes and will update the publication again as and when they come into effect.

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.

By Lawyers has published a new publication: Trusts. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the Trusts publication deals with establishing a new trust, amending an existing trust, and bringing a trust to an end through vesting or termination. Read more...

The Family Procedure Rules have been updated to allow all family courts to issue transparency orders.

The decision that confirmed courts cannot disregard unchallenged expert evidence unless there are valid and clearly articulated reasons. Read more...

While the Autumn budget delivered this week by the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, was arguably a step forward for feminism, it was more notable for the significant changes to tax. Read more…