MMR seen as ‘good for the economy’ despite soaring frustration levels felt by UK home buyers
Research by myhomemove, the UK’s leading provider of conveyancing services, has revealed that six months after its introduction, UK home buyers hold mixed feelings over the Mortgage Market Review (MMR), which was designed to halt reckless lending. While frustration levels felt by individuals increased by over 157% at the ‘intrusive’* and in-depth questioning process now […]
DCUK launches innovative case tracking system (Topic of the Month – Technology)
Yvonne Hirons is managing director of DCUK (Direct Conveyancing UK), which has just launched E-Plus 247, an on-line case tracking and quotation system that promises to cut out the panel manager in the relationship between solicitor and estate agent. Yvonne, who has worked in panel management for 12 years, tells Today’s Conveyancer why she believes […]
Do you REALLY know who you are dealing with?
Identity driven crimes account for nearly half of all frauds in 2014 A recent report carried out by CIFAS found that data driven identity crimes — frauds carried out using a victim’s identity details to obtain new accounts and/or take over those already existing — accounted for over 45% of all confirmed frauds in the […]
Blacks scoop major prize at Yorkshire Legal Awards
Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors, comprised of broker-focused conveyancer Blacks Connect and the recently launched Blacks Affinity conveyancing quotation system, have claimed a major prize at the Yorkshire Legal Awards. Blacks beat off stiff competition to pick up the ‘Residential Property Award’ with David Gilman, Partner in charge of Blacks Connect, collecting the prize at the recent […]
Rent rises cool off from August peak
Scotland’s average rent falls 0.2% from August peak, to stand at £536 per month in September Annual rent rises slow to 2.0% over the last twelve months, down from 3.1% in September 2013 Rents drop in four out of five regions of Scotland in September — but climb to new peak in Edinburgh Helps tenant […]
Flood – protect or prepare
I think we all know by now that flooding is a real issue. There are all sorts of statistics bandied about, such as 5,000,000 properties being at risk of flooding and 1 in 7 businesses having been harmed by flooding, but the reality is that it happens and it hurts. The changing climate means that […]
Latest Land Registry guidance on restrictions and leasehold properties
Covenants on leasehold titles are in many instances not an issue, as most don’t require the consent of the landlord. When covenants do apply to a property, the landlord must enter them into the property register, to ensure the buyer is made aware. The landlord may then end the lease if there is a breach […]
80% of sellers believe their home is worth more than it actually is
Only definite housing bubbles in Greater London and the South East Media hype helps fuel rising prices Estate agents recently reported that 80%** of sellers in the current market believe their homes are worth more than they are. Ninety-nine per cent agreed the reason for sellers being over ambitious more than usual is thanks to […]
Peppermint Technology is Double Finalist in UK IT Industry Awards (Topic of the Month – Technology)
Peppermint Technology, the legal technology innovator, has been made a finalist in two categories of the UK IT Industry Awards 2014. These prestigious awards are the benchmark for outstanding performance throughout the UK computer industry and are supported by Computing and BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). The awards focus on the contribution of individuals, […]
Competence Statement consultation launched
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a three-month consultation setting out the standards for practice as a solicitor. The consultation runs until 12th January 2015. This consultation seeks views on a new Competence Statement for solicitors, which defines the standard for admission and continued competence. The Statement is accompanied by a Threshold Standard and […]
Gaby Hardwicke solicitors remain positive, following suspected arson attack
A fire that broke out in Gaby Hardwicke solicitors is now being considered an arson attack in police investigations this week. Detective Sergeant Paul Graham says, "This was a deliberate and malicious act that could have had severe consequences for nearby residents." The offices are located on Eversley Road in Bexhill and police were alerted […]
All mortgage transactions halted by Bank of England technical issues
Following routine maintenance of a key payments system this morning, the Bank of England has been experiencing technical issues – preventing any mortgage transaction from taking place today (20th October 2014). The Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system that has experienced the faults, submits payment transactions for investment banking, as well as consumer loan transactions. […]
myhomemove claims title win at the Modern Law Awards 2014
myhomemove, the UK’s leading provider of mover conveyancing services, has won the coveted title of ‘Best ABS over 100 employees’ for the second year running at the 2014 Modern Law Awards. The event which was held in London on the 15th October 2014, celebrated the very best in entrepreneurship, market development, business management and ‘best […]
Gas Access Campaign offers to share research with Housing Minister
Gas safety campaigners are calling for a meeting with the housing minister to help him fully understand the unnecessarily wasted millions spent on gaining access to homes. The call comes after housing minister Brandon Lewis revealed the Department of Communities and Local Government hasn’t carried out any research into the costs to housing associations, forced […]
Campbell v Redstone Mortgages Ltd [2014] EWHC 3081 (Ch) (29 September 2014)
We welcome again Anis Waiz, solicitor and head of commercial litigation at Curtis Law Solicitors, as he continues his critical review of current case law. This case raised interesting points as to an alleged fraudulent execution of a mortgage and an issue that often arises on lenders taking possession of property where the borrower has […]
Over half of legal professionals believe email poses the greatest security risk, new research reveals
DX, a leading independent mail, parcels and logistics end-to-end network operator in the UK and Ireland, has today released new research that shows 57% of legal professionals in the UK believe email constitutes the greatest security risk to their business, compared to just 24% who believe physical breaches pose a greater risk. The research from […]
Latest Rent to Buy scheme uncovered
As part of the Government’s £23 billion Affordable Homes Programme, Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, launched a campaign this September that aims to help young professionals get onto the property ladder more easily. This is fantastic news for conveyancing, as the Government is showing full support to an uptake in homeownership. However, is this new “Rent […]
Europe’s first International Property Crowdfunding Platform launched by Mayfair & Morgan (Topic of the Month – Technology)
Company offers part-ownership of property portfolios with investments from £1,000. International property management and investment firm Mayfair & Morgan has launched a new internet-based crowdfunding platform that will allow its members to invest in residential property from £1,000 and gain long-term returns without the need for house hunting, mortgage acquisition, tenant recruitment and property management. […]
Conveyancer Slater – Tweet of the Week
Can safely say I never ever in my whole entire life want to be a conveyancer. Worst. Day. Ever. – Megan Davidson (@MegsDavidsonX) October 14, 2014
Housing minister challenged over cost of gas access
A Government minister has been challenged to assess the impact of current gas safety legislation on social housing providers. Housing and Planning minister Brandon Lewis MP has been asked to provide a written Parliamentary response on what research his department has conducted into the costs to social housing providers who are refused access to inspect […]
