Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Probate delays can leave executors and beneficiaries uncertain about what happens to an estate before the Grant is issued. Executors must continue protecting assets, managing urgent expenses and gathering information while avoiding actions that require formal authority.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Proposed reforms could make buying and selling homes faster, clearer and less likely to fall through. Plans include more upfront property information, standardised sales packs, digital property logbooks, improved estate-agent standards and future binding conditional contracts.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The Inheritance Act allows certain relatives and dependants to challenge an estate where a Will or the intestacy rules have not made reasonable financial provision for them. Courts consider financial needs, family relationships, dependency and the estate’s circumstances.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Commercial property joint ventures allow landowners, developers, investors and funding partners to combine resources for development projects. Clear agreements establish ownership, funding obligations, decision-making powers, profit distribution, risk allocation and exit arrangements.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Renters’ Rights reforms are creating new legal and financial considerations for landlords. Changes to tenancy structures, property standards, possession procedures and compliance requirements may increase the cost and complexity of managing rental-property portfolios.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Moving overseas does not automatically remove an individual or their estate from UK inheritance tax. Exposure may continue where UK assets, long-term connections or relevant residence rules apply, making careful cross-border estate planning important.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The Future Homes Standard and wider energy-efficiency requirements are reshaping property development. Developers, investors and landowners must consider how changing sustainability standards may affect project design, regulatory compliance, costs and long-term property value.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Shared ownership purchases have specific Stamp Duty Land Tax rules. Buyers must consider whether to pay SDLT on their initial share or make a market value election, as the decision can affect upfront costs, staircasing and future tax liabilities.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Refinancing commercial property held within a SIPP requires coordination between pension trustees, lenders and legal advisers. Property title, leases, valuations, lender security and pension-scheme requirements must be addressed carefully to avoid delays.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Free Will Registration Month 2026 is drawing to a close. Registering the existence and location of your Will can make it easier for your family and executors to find the correct document when it is needed.