What can we expect from our new Government in relation to planning?
Following last week’s election we have a new government in power and significant changes are expected to the UK’s planning system and housing sector. Forming part of the Labour Party’s manifesto was a commitment to building 1.5 million homes during the next parliament, but how are the government planning to do this? The government’s immediate […]
From Tiny Acorns…
One of the questions we often receive from buyers when they are purchasing a property is what is a tree preservation order (TPO) and how will it affect the trees within their property – particularly if they have potential development plans. Even if a tree is not protected, what is the effect of the property […]
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act
One of the pieces of legislation that was saved when Parliament was dissolved on 24 May was The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. The Act will make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold, increase standard lease extension terms to 990, and provide greater transparency over service charges. The Act will also […]
Share of Freehold – sounds perfect but what does it mean?
Whilst historically the collection of ground rent by freeholders has been a steady income stream, since the implementation of the Leaseholders Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 there is now little incentive to retain the freehold interest on new build leasehold developments. For those who are not aware, the Leaseholders Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 prohibits […]
Revenge Evictions
An end to Section 21 – Might the government’s proposals to halt “revenge evictions” have further reaching implications? As the property market remains unsettled, the government has once more indicated a willingness to intervene in the sector and to introduce measures which are likely to have a significant ramifications far beyond the stated intention of […]
Our collection for the local food bank
We’re collecting for Trussell Trust again For the second year running the staff at Ashworths have teamed up with the other occupiers of The Old Exchange (Cargostore Worldwide Trading and American Tax Returns) to collect food and other essential items for the Trussell Trust. Adopting the principle of a “reverse advent calendar” everyone is depositing […]
SDLT “Additional Residential Property” Consultation
Many readers will be aware of the changes that were announced in the 2015 Autumn Statement regarding higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for purchasers of “additional properties”. In short, the purchase of any new buy-to-let properties or second homes from 1 April 2016 will attract an additional 3% SDLT charge on top the usual […]
Give-it-Away’s Give-it-Away begins!
For a number of years Ashworths has supported Give-it-Away. Give-it-Away is not a charity in its own right, but is a company that develops and trades in property and gives ALL of its profits away to local charities. In recognition of the work that “the company” has done, its CEO Charlotte Grobien was awarded the […]
Stamp Duty Changes A Few Months On
The announcement by the chancellor at lunchtime on 3 December 2014 introducing changes to the stamp duty thresholds caused quite a stir in most property departments and estate agencies across England. A surreal panic set in since the reforms were to be implemented by midnight and they came without warning. People joke about property lawyers […]
New Year’s Honours – Charlotte and Jane
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHARLOTTE AND JANE For more than four years, Ashworths has been a very proud supporter of Give It Away, a development company that donates all of its profits to local charitable causes. We are only too happy to provide our specialist development legal services on a pro bono basis to Charlotte and her team. We […]