Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Mortgage products, rates and lender requirements can change quickly, making it harder for some buyers to secure suitable finance. These changes can affect affordability, mortgage offers and the progress of property transactions.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Property market shifts can have a direct impact on buying, selling, and investment decisions. With experience in residential conveyancing and property transactions, Ives & Co Solicitors supports clients in understanding how market trends — including tax changes — affect their plans.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The Section 8 changes coming into effect in May 2026 will make it easier for landlords to regain possession of a property when selling or moving back in. However, stricter rules, clearer legal grounds, and updated notice requirements mean that early legal preparation is essential to avoid delays or failed transactions.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
With ongoing reports that property transaction times remain unacceptably long, understanding the causes — and how to minimise delays — is more important than ever. Recent commentary from Propertymark highlights continued frustration across the property sector, with transaction timelines still stretching well beyond what many would consider reasonable.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
With digital processes evolving rapidly, staying informed can make a real difference to how quickly and smoothly your purchase or remortgage completes.
A major shift has just taken place.
Nationwide Building Society has become the first UK lender to accept Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) on mortgage deeds — removing the need for traditional wet-ink signatures and witnessed paperwork.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
At Ives & Co Solicitors, we support buyers and sellers through every stage of the residential conveyancing process. As the market moves into the new year, many clients are asking whether confidence is finally returning — and recent industry data suggests the outlook is becoming more positive.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
At Ives & Co Solicitors, we regularly advise buyers and sellers navigating leasehold properties across the residential market. With leasehold reform back in the spotlight, many homeowners are asking the same question: which of these changes will genuinely make it easier to sell, buy, or refinance a leasehold property?
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
As 2026 begins, confidence around planning reform is being closely tested — particularly in the commercial property sector. While policy changes were intended to unlock development and stimulate growth, new commercial starts remain slower than expected. At Ives & Co, our commercial conveyancing team is seeing how planning uncertainty continues to affect investment decisions, transaction structures, and development timelines.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Renting laws in England are about to change dramatically. With the Renters’ Rights Act now confirmed, both landlords and tenants are preparing for one of the most significant updates to the rental system in decades.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Renting laws in England are about to change dramatically. With the Renters’ Rights Act now confirmed, both landlords and tenants are preparing for one of the most significant updates to the rental system in decades.