Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
UK house prices recorded their strongest monthly increase in more than two years, supported by improved household finances, resilient employment and steady mortgage activity. Despite this recovery, affordability pressures and changes to Stamp Duty were expected to influence buyer behaviour and transaction levels.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The Law Commission’s review of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 considered how security of tenure should operate in modern commercial leasing. Proposed models ranged from removing automatic renewal rights to making tenant protection mandatory, each carrying different implications for landlords and businesses.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Bereaved families can face inconsistent processes, repeated requests for information and delays when notifying organisations or administering an estate. Clearer national standards could encourage more compassionate communication, simpler procedures and better coordination between service providers.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The UK housing market showed signs of recovery following the Budget announcement, supported by improving buyer confidence, mortgage activity and expectations of greater market stability. However, affordability pressures and the effect of policy changes continued to influence buyers and sellers.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Investor demand for UK commercial property increased as lower borrowing costs and renewed market confidence improved the sector’s outlook. Industrial and logistics properties led the recovery, while office demand varied significantly according to location, amenities and transport connections.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Consumers in England and Wales report high satisfaction with legal services, but their expectations differ in areas such as face-to-face advice, pricing transparency and complaint handling. Understanding these preferences can help legal providers build trust and deliver more accessible, client-focused support.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors High-profile office sales and improving transaction volumes suggested that the UK commercial property market could be moving towards recovery. However, changing workplace patterns, increased development costs and weaker demand for secondary offices continued to create challenges for investors.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors A busier housing market increases pressure on conveyancers to complete identity, anti-money laundering and source-of-funds checks efficiently. Secure digital verification tools can help reduce delays, improve client onboarding and strengthen protection against property fraud.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Families administering estates can face delays of up to a year when liquidating shares in British companies acquired by US corporations. Different regulatory requirements, overseas transfer agents and the need for a Medallion Signature Guarantee can make these transactions particularly complex.
Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors Investor sentiment towards UK commercial property improved as interest rates began to fall and returns across key sectors turned positive. However, transaction volumes recovered more slowly, with high borrowing costs, limited stock and uneven performance continuing to restrain deal activity.