The Welsh Government has temporarily increased the nil rate band of land transaction tax for residential property transactions in Wales, increasing the nil rate from £180,000 to £250,000 for main residential purchases. The temporary rates apply for main residential purchases between 27 July 2020 and 31 March 2021, but do not apply to purchases of second homes or buy-to-let properties.

The By Lawyers Sale and Purchase of Business guides have been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and conveyancing practice. As with all our guides, they take a practical approach, drawing on our authors’ considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a sale or business purchase matter to completion. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and conveyancers acting in the sale or purchase of a business.

The By Lawyers Residential Lease commentary has been updated to reflect changes to capital gains tax payment deadlines. A short note regarding income tax has also been added.

The Law Society, Council of Licensed Conveyancers, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Bold Legal Group and the Conveyancing Association, with the support of Government departments and the Land Registry have jointly drafted a Variation Agreement, for use where an exchange of contracts has already taken place on a conveyancing transaction, and a practitioner considers that it is necessary to vary its terms due to the impact of the coronavirus. The Variation Agreement and guidance regarding its use are available in both the sale and purchase guides, in the sections relating to Deterioration, Disputes and Notices. Keep up-to-date with our latest COVID-19 News & Updates.

Temporary rent concessions for commercial leases – Side letter or deed of variation? A side letter which records the agreed temporary alteration to the existing lease, and which is not intended to have a lasting impact upon the lease terms. Read more...

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

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

Both the Wills and Probate publications have been augmented with a treatise on challenging the validity of a will. This includes an appreciation of The Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 which apply where there is no challenge or question as to the validity of a will. Read more...

The Nuptial agreements publication was recently reviewed by UK author Robin Charrot of Evolve Family Law with particular focus on law and practice as it currently applies to nuptial and cohabitation agreements in England and Wales. Although there is no indication that legislation is imminent regarding binding Qualifying Nuptial Agreements as envisioned by The Law Commission, By Lawyers continues to maintain a watching brief over all UK legislation to keep users informed and our publications up to date.

Legal Aid Regulations have been amended to exclude payments made under the Windrush Compensation Scheme as income or capital in determining the eligibility of legal aid.

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

The Domestic Violence Orders publication has been expanded to include additional information about Legal Aid funding, some new precedent letters, and ready access to the Legal Aid Agency forms. Read more...

Following a user request last week we have drafted a new precedent with a variety of additional enquiries that a purchaser may ask on those less than common occasions. Read more...

By Lawyers has published new precedents to help practitioners assist landlords renting properties under assured shorthold tenancies. The new precedents advise landlords on the proposed changes contained in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Changes to their ability to seek possession are outlined, together with additional obligations that the Bill seeks to bring into force. Read more ...

The Court of Appeal ruled that Kristie Higgs' dismissal from Farmor's School for critical Facebook posts on LGBTQ+ lessons was unlawfully discriminatory and disproportionate.