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OpinionRise of gazundering
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, wonders if sometimes we’re all running to stand still
OpinionLowering the bar
With buyers routinely demanding 11th-hour price cuts and sellers forced to accept them, could the government’s plans to speed up conveyancing offer the first credible pathway to reform?
FeaturePreparing for exemption
Major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 take effect on 1 May 2026, moving qualifying purpose-built student accommodation outside the assured tenancy regime. Sarah Cummins outlines what the exemption means for current and future student contracts, and the practical steps providers should take to prepare
FeatureNavigating the shift
The UK’s compulsory purchase order landscape has undergone its most significant structural shift in decades. Lucy Trevelyan reports on the implications for property professionals
FeatureShort leases, long chains
Short leases continue to derail property transactions, despite ongoing reform efforts. Roshan Sivapalan considers why they still matter, how they affect transactions and how conveyancers can identify and manage risk to protect both clients and transactions
FeatureMoney for nothing
Property fraud is rising fast, with increasingly sophisticated scams putting buyers, sellers and conveyancers at risk. Claire Revell outlines the key warning signs and the practical steps firms can take to protect clients and safeguard their own exposure
FeatureA targeted approach
Nikki Bensoor looks at the complexities of commercial property transactions for pension scheme trustees, and how to help clients structure secure and compliant assets
FeatureEthical matters
With regulatory penalties becoming more frequent, Nigel West considers two high-profile disciplinary cases involving property practitioners
FeatureModern life
Sarah Dwight looks at what’s involved in selling a house through the modern method of auction, potential pitfalls and risks, and what conveyancers need to look out for
FeatureWhat a relief
Julie Butler explores how farms will be affected by the increased inheritance tax relief threshold, new spouse transfer rules and the ongoing risks around valuation, occupation and trading status, and how practitioners can maximise these opportunities for their clients
FeatureWho’s who?
Robert Wood considers what a recent case of attempted identity fraud can teach us about adapting our processes to beat the scammers
FeatureClimate concerns
Climate change is becoming a key area of risk for conveyancers. Sarah Sargent outlines how solicitors can address climate-related risks proportionately and meet their duties to clients without adding unnecessary complexity
FeatureCompulsory reading
New legislation signals the start of the reform of the compulsory purchase process. Liz Paraskeva looks at what’s changing and what to expect later this year
FeatureWhen conveyancing and the Court of Protection collide
Philip Cartin and Holly Miéville-Hawkins look at the issues involved when providing conveyancing for individuals lacking capacity, and offer advice on how to best support clients and avoid pitfalls
NewsCommonhold and leasehold reform: what the draft Bill means for the market
Kylie Cooper from SE-Solicitors looks at the key proposals in the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, the expected impact and next steps for stakeholders
FeatureMazur: 5 key takeaways for social housing providers
Josephine Morton explores the implications of Mazur for social housing providers, its unanswered questions and what to watch out for as the appeal progresses
FeatureStamp duty and storage units
Sean Randall examines the most controversial stamp duty land tax decision released in 2025
OpinionAdopting AI
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, considers the role for artificial intelligence in legal practice
FeatureTransaction time
The government has unveiled major reform proposals for the home buying and selling process in England and Wales that will reshape daily operations for property professionals. Lucy Trevelyan reports
FeatureRent review
The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act received royal assent in October. Jacob Poole provides a summary of the new legislation
FeatureOn thin ice
Failing to properly return client monies is in breach of the Accounts Rules and can lead to regulatory action. Andrew Blatt explains the issues involved in residual balances – and what firms can do to clear them
FeatureWhat’s the plan?
Robert Garden and David Hardy outline how to prepare for the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Act, expected to receive royal assent shortly
FeatureForfeiture forever?
Following the latest missed opportunity to reform the law of forfeiture, Peter Petts and Jamal Demachkie advise on ways to navigate this difficult area of law
FeatureRedrawing the boundaries
Michael Duncan looks at three recent adverse possession cases that have provided clarity on some of the nuances in this area of law
FeatureOut of time
Paul Tonkin and Lucy Redman assess a recent case on cladding issues which indicates that the Building Safety Act 2022 can apply further back than was previously thought
FeatureLeasehold landmark?
Katie Cohen looks at the recent High Court decision regarding a challenge to freeholder rights in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
FeatureA matter of record
It seems as though the regulators are handing out fines to firms on an almost daily basis. Paul Bennett considers the specific challenges this poses for larger firms
FeatureProperty law programme
Following the launch of the Law Commission’s Fourteenth Programme of Law Reform, Shanna Davison and Graeme Robertson outline what’s in store for the property sector
FeatureFinding the source
Rebecca Atkinson considers source of funds and wealth, and outlines the level of due diligence needed to meet your compliance obligations
FeatureAML: A tale of two regulators
Colette Best considers the announcement that the Financial Conduct Authority will take over responsibility for supervising lawyers’ anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing activities
FeatureRenters’ Rights Act 2025: what’s changing and when?
The Renters’ Rights Act marks the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in decades. Nick Martyn discusses what the changes will mean for renters and landlords, and looks at the recently announced implementation dates
FeatureWhat should future conveyancing look like?
Peter Rodd comments on the detail in the recent government announcement to reform the home buying and selling process in England and Wales
FeatureNavigating climate risk in property transactions
Tim Champney looks at the impact of climate change in property transactions, and how new tools and products can help firms
FeatureAdverse possession – a practitioner’s view
Sarah Cookson from Switalskis Solicitors outlines how to make an application for adverse possession with registered and unregistered land, and highlights key issues solicitors need to consider
Sponsored bySix signs of money laundering – and how to spot them
Richard Simms from AMLCC sets out how to identify money laundering in property transactions
FeatureAttorneys’ power to gift properties
Ash Jones, land registrar at HM Land Registry, outlines the limits on attorneys’ powers to gift property under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and explains what evidence is needed to avoid void transactions and registration errors
FeatureA moveable feast?
Recently, there has been a lot of legislative change and new case law to absorb. Phil Parkinson details some of the key developments and their implications for property practitioners
FeatureHomes under the hammer
Rebecca Kibby and Anna Phillips review what property practitioners need to do to best support clients considering a sale by auction
FeatureSafe house?
Mark Roach and Harriet Hawkins provide an overview of recent developments in the remediation of building safety defects and outline expected changes on the horizon
FeatureCommission impossible?
Jasmin Crilly and Andrew Bambury examine a recent decision that may put an end to landlords’ insurance commission practices
FeatureWorking title
What do you do when a restriction in the title register is either incorrect or unnecessary? Bethany Boothby and Andrew Smedley outline how best to tackle restrictions that are no longer fit for purpose
FeatureAt face value
Laura Gale explores what the term ‘asset of community value’ means and outlines the impact on clients of a property with this status
FeatureAwaab’s Law
Matthew Wilson outlines the timeline that social landlords need to consider to comply with Awaab’s Law, coming into force in October 2025
FeatureOffices to flats
Daniel Clyne and Sacha Jose highlight the recent changes in permitted development and outline the opportunities these present to developers
FeatureMaking a plan
A new bill aims to create a distinct Welsh planning regime. Bill Cordingley considers the detail
FeatureForfeiture of leases
The government has promised to abolish forfeiture of residential leases but hasn’t said when. Dona Awano looks at the issues
FeatureRights of light and the modern cityscape
The High Court’s ruling in Cooper v Ludgate House Ltd and Powell v Ludgate House Ltd [2025] EWHC 1724 (Ch) offers key guidance for rights of lights disputes in urban developments. Matthew Weal, Hugh Le-Gear and Shanna Davison discuss the court’s approach, and the implications for developers and practitioners
FeatureEight AML questions the SRA may ask
Richard Simms from AMLCC sets out the eight questions you should ask to establish if your firm is anti-money-laundering compliant before you get a visit from the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Feature7 key considerations when advising on climate risk in property transactions
Warren Gordon outlines how the Law Society’s checklist for property practitioners can raise awareness of any relevant climate risks to clients
FeatureSafe spaces
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 marks a major shift in how landlords, occupiers and developers must assess and respond to terror threats. Patrick Duffy outlines the detail
FeatureReform of rent
It is expected that the Renters’ Rights Bill will receive royal assent this summer. Alex Jeffery outlines what to expect and how the new legislation will affect your clients
FeatureGoing digital
As the government announces plans to further digitise the conveyancing process to make it quicker, cheaper and more reliable, Lucy Trevelyan talks to property professionals about what the new system might look like and its potential impact for them and their clients
FeatureGrand designs
Ben Garbett looks at the scope of the ambitious new Planning and Infrastructure Bill and explores what changes are likely to materialise
FeatureAdverse possession
Danielle Spalding and Abbie Wilson discuss how recent case law is shaping the future of adverse possession as a legal remedy
FeatureToxic town
With an ambitious new house-building plan on the agenda, Georgia Jones reviews the challenges of constructing homes on potentially contaminated land on brownfield sites
FeatureCommonhold – what next?
The commonhold white paper proposes an overhaul of residential property ownership in England and Wales, banning the creation of new leasehold interests. Matthew Weal and Shanna Davison outline what this might look like
FeatureBuyer beware
The recent much-publicised ‘moth case’ raises issues of disclosure during the conveyancing process. Michael Duncan looks at the facts
FeatureSafe and sound?
The Building Safety Act 2022 has now been in force for three years. Phil Parkinson and Ola Olsen consider recent case law developments and their practical impact on building safety
FeatureAccomodating students
Although the Renters’ Rights Bill is far-reaching, it’s unclear what the impact of the changes will be on student accommodation. The team at Osborne Clarke look at the detail
FeatureBuilding liability orders
Building liability orders are set to become more common. The team at Hill Dickinson explore what they are, and their impact on practitioners from practice areas beyond property
FeatureRenters’ rights – 10 things you need to know
The Renters’ Rights Bill will result in some wide-ranging changes to the residential renting regime in England and Wales. David Smith answers some frequently asked questions about what practitioners can expect
FeatureProtecting premises from terrorist attacks
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 had royal assent in April 2025. Warren Gordon, Rosalind Morgan and Lukas Rootman look at how it will affect those responsible for relevant premises and events
FeatureIt’s not easy being green
Meena Kamath of The Chancery Lane Project outlines how you can drive climate-conscious property transactions
FeatureAI and the drive to digitise
In light of the government’s plans to digitise the conveyancing process, Mark Hailwood of Law Society partner Dye & Durham, outlines how artificial intelligence can assist in speeding up delays
OpinionA year of evolution
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, looks forward and backward through real estate law
FeatureLeasehold update
The goalposts keep moving on leasehold reform. Katie Cohen provides an update on when we can expect some changes
FeatureCelebrating a centenary
It’s 100 years since the Law of Property Act 1925 was enacted. Thomas Anderson outlines the ongoing relevance of the act for property practitioners
FeatureEnergy building
Warren Gordon considers the consultation on changes to the performance of buildings regime
FeaturePut to use
Jack Lightburn outlines what use clauses in commercial leases are, and their importance to both landlords and tenants
FeatureLevel of risk
David Kempster outlines how to use data modelling to mitigate risks in property transactions
FeatureSecurity of tenure
Jennie Graham looks at possible changes to the regime that governs security of tenure for business tenants in England and Wales
FeatureDown the high street
Warren Gordon outlines the government’s proposals for mandatory high street rental auctions in England
FeatureTaking charge
The large number of disputes going through the courts in the last few years has led to an evolution in the law on service charges. Ben Willis and Lucy Redman highlight key changes and look ahead to likely further developments
FeatureFarming matters
The introduction of taxes on agricultural land has been much in the news recently. Julie Butler outlines the changes and considers tax planning in light of the new proposals
FeatureManaging rights
Phil Parkinson and Talia O’Grady examine some of the issues arising in right-to-manage claims
FeatureDrafting green leases
Michael Poulsom considers what constitutes a ‘green lease’ and outlines some of the complexities in drafting them
FeatureRegistration gap
Mike Harlow shares valuable insights on how HM Land Registry is improving its speed of service and responding to challenges currently facing the property industry
FeatureCompulsory purchase powers – key changes
Shruti Trivedi outlines the proposed changes to the rules around compulsory purchase
Opinion’Tis the season
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, wonders what Santa is likely to bring for property practitioners in 2025
FeatureHigh energy
Part of the new government’s rental reforms include a commitment to increase energy efficiency in private rental accommodation. Richard Pulford outlines the proposals
FeatureBeast of burden
Is the regulatory burden for solicitors increasing or does it just seem that way? Duncan Finlyson considers recent developments
FeaturePlan of action
Changes to planning law are on the agenda. Robert Garden, David Hardy and Roisin Laycock consider the legal and policy proposals and their impact on the planning regime
FeatureRental interest
The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces the biggest changes in landlord and tenant law since the 1980s. Anna Bennett considers the proposals
FeatureAfter Grenfell
Phase 2 of the Grenfell inquiry report was published in September. Ian Quayle considers its implications for property practitioners
FeatureIn commonhold
Commonhold is once again on the agenda as a form of property ownership. Lisa Bevan outlines the plans
FeaturePoints of view
Philip Askew and Tessa Bonser consider, from both a private client practitioner and property practitioner perspective, whether it’s necessary to obtain a grant of probate on a first death if there is a will trust on the title of a property
FeatureUsing AI in client due diligence
How artificial intelligence can assist property practitioners in vetting clients
NewsAI and smart buildings
This report examines the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) technologies and smart buildings in the property sector.
OpinionMaking a fresh start
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, wonders what the new term will bring
FeatureSwept away
Tom Knightley considers a recent case disputing sweeper clauses within the service charge provisions of leases
FeatureStreets ahead
A raft of housing, planning and property reforms featured prominently in the King’s speech, but how will they affect property professionals? Lucy Trevelyan reports
FeatureRegister change
After talking to customers, HM Land Registry is simplifying the process for updating addresses for service and applying for first registrations. Alister Heywood explains the changes
FeaturePipped at the post
Priscilla Sinder looks at how strong post-completion processes can help property practitioners meet their obligations and avoid costly mistakes
FeaturePlaying it safe
The recent Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 amends the Building Safety Act to allow for further rights of recourse. Charis Beverton and Sarah Grant outline the key changes
FeatureA knotty issue
Claudia Oliver and Jack Lightburn outline the practical matters parties should consider when dealing with Japanese knotweed
FeatureShine a light
The law around ‘rights of light’ is complex. Matthew Weal, Shanna Davison and Hugh Le Gear consider the issues in light of the new government’s plans
FeatureWhat next for leasehold?
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 introduces fundamental changes to extend further rights to leaseholders of residential property. Katie Cohen looks at the current act and outlines what the new government is likely to change
FeaturePlan of action
Following the general election in July this year, the new government signalled an overhaul of the planning regime in England and Wales. Amy Penrose looks at the proposed changes
FeatureHeld to account
Since the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force there has only been one decision published by the First-tier Tribunal concerning the principal accountable persons regime. Hannah Keane looks at the detail
FeatureLip service
Phil Parkinson and Aisling McWilliams look at the issues surrounding service charges under the new legislation, and highlight the need for further clarity in an essential secondary legislative framework
FeatureWhy identity checks won’t make you AML compliant
Richard Simms, from our partner AMLCC, outlines how property practioners must do more than identity checks to protect themselves from money laundering risks
OpinionWhat next for property?
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, reads too much into the current state of play for real estate law
FeatureCode breaking
Warren Gordon, Martin Garner and Charlotte Green consider a case where actual service of a contractual break notice was not required for termination of agreements under the Electronic Communications Code
FeatureUnder scrutiny
Tracey Calvert is director of Oakhalls Consultancy and the author of the forthcoming book, In-house Lawyers’ Risk and Compliance Q&A, published by the Law Society
FeatureA matter of trust
Following the recent government consultation on transparency of land ownership involving trusts, private client lawyers share their views on the implications of the changes for advising clients
FeatureThe registration gap
Anna Donnelly provides some top tips on dealing with delays in registrations at HM Land Registry
FeatureRepairing a breach
Jodie Michael provides an overview of how landlords can act to resolve breach of covenant disputes with leaseholders where this overlaps with a breach of condition
FeatureUnder the hammer
The planning and real estate teams at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP outline the government’s high street rental auction policy, and considers its desired effect on vacant properties
FeatureUp to code
A new edition of the Consumer Code for Home Builders has been published. Nick Dell outlines the key changes
FeatureRising damp
Housing condition claims have made headlines recently. Matthew Wilson reflects on the rise in claims and asks if they are likely to continue
FeatureA new lease?
Nikki Bensoor looks at a significant case on landlords’ break rights in protected lease renewals
FeatureOccupational hazard?
Owners of commercial properties are increasingly using ‘property guardians’ to protect vacant premises. Samuel Lear and Christopher Gothard outline the pros and cons
FeatureA matter of control
Jasmine Mason considers proposals to increase transparency and disclosure of information relating to contractual controls on land
FeatureRise and fall
Interest rates have finally risen, and, with them, the potential for law firms to profit. But what are the risks you need to be aware of?
OpinionSafety first
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, considers the difficulties of getting to grips with the Building Safety Act
FeatureCTS – lessons learned?
Paul Sams explains why we must learn from the mistakes that caused the recent CTS cyber attack
FeatureIn retrospect
Andrew Butler, KC considers retrospectivity and transitional provisions regarding the Building Safety Act 2022
FeatureLevying up
Gavin Le Chat looks at the infrastructure levy and considers its relationship with the community infrastructure levy and planning agreements
FeatureTurnover rent
Samantha Paxton outlines what to consider when putting turnover rent clauses into operation, including how this mechanism impacts other lease clauses
FeatureServe and protect
Following the recent cyber attacks at CTS, Lindsay Hill, CEO of Law Society partner Mitigo asks how to protect your firm’s data when using a managed service provider
FeatureBetter times ahead?
Are there better times ahead for professional indemnity insurance? Chris Marston, chief executive of LawNet, explains why he thinks this is likely
FeatureFreeports – what’s next?
Following the publication of the government’s Freeports delivery roadmap late last year, Kate Garcia and Jonah Cohen provide an update on what progress has been made and what to expect next
FeatureNotice of improvement
Robin Stewart outlines the processes and procedures in advising landlords and purchasers about improvement notices
FeatureAll change for leasehold?
As the Leasehold and Freehold Bill 2023–24 wends its way through parliament, Lucy Trevelyan examines what the reforms will mean for the leasehold property market
NewsNew guide on the Building Safety Act published
The Law Society’s Conveyancing and Land Law Committee have produced a guide for members on the Building Safety Act 2022
OpinionPet projects
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, wonders when we’ll all get to live in a ‘doghouse’
FeatureWhat a RAACet
Gregor Woods, Antoni Hajdon and Aimie Farmer consider the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in construction and the impact it will have on the property sector
FeatureTesting the climate
Claire Rainsford shares her perspective on opportunities for the legal and real estate sectors to translate strategy into action to tackle the climate crisis
FeatureSafe as houses
The legislative and regulatory detail introduced to support the Building Safety Act is ever evolving. Phil Parkinson and Aisling McWilliams provide a summary of the key changes
FeatureBuy better?
There will be some key changes to the conveyancing process in 2024. Peter Rodd outlines what to expect
FeatureProliferation risk
What is proliferation financing, and how is it affecting property practitioners? David Pett explains
FeaturePrivate eye
Disputes over easements are occurring more often. Zoe Upson outlines the risks when advising clients about private rights of way
FeatureFeeling restricted
Andrew Francis considers two recent cases involving restrictive covenants, and what they reveal about the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting short judgments
FeatureWhat next for MEES?
A recent government announcement about postponing proposed climate change targets means changes are afoot for domestic energy standards requirements. Victoria Duxbury and Katie Goodfellow provide an update
FeatureGetting to the source
Rebecca Atkinson considers source of funds and wealth and outlines how much digging you need to do to meet your compliance obligations
FeatureEnterprise, everywhere
Harriet Revington and Claire Hawley consider the impact of the spring budget on real estate tax measures and the property sector
OpinionTaking the long view
Clare Harman Clark, the Property Section chair, considers the scope of property law to rewrite the rule book on how we all interact with the world around us
FeatureWeight of responsibility
New guidance has been introduced on fire safety and new responsibilities for the responsible person. Hannah Eales and Christina Orthodoxou outline what you need to know
FeatureRates and wrongs
Andrew Cammish and Carl Roche outline the business rates relief available to charities, and consider the impact of a recent Supreme Court case for property practitioners
FeatureA private function
In February 2023, the Supreme Court held that visual intrusion by the viewing gallery in the Tate Modern’s Blavatnik Building was a private nuisance against those living in a nearby block of flats. Joanna Williams and Joseph Skilton consider the impact of the verdict
FeatureRent reforms
The Renters (Reform) Bill is currently making its way through parliament. Matthew Bonye and Shanna Davison of Herbert Smith Freehills consider the proposals for change
FeatureSafety first
The Building Safety Act is evolving as it is brought into force. Mark Roach and Harriet Hawkins explore the latest developments
FeatureIn good company?
Kayleigh Brown provides an update on the requirements under the Economic Crime Act to register overseas entities, and how it relates to registration of trusts
FeatureLandlord certificates
Paul Tonkin and Katie Dunn outline what you need to know about preparing landlord certificates, including the rigmarole and the risks involved
FeatureFeeling flushed?
Jennifer Woodruff considers the regulations around septic tanks that property practitioners should be aware of when advising clients