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.
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
As digital wealth becomes more common, estate planning is no longer limited to property, savings, and physical assets. With specialist expertise in will writing and probate, Ives & Co Solicitors supports clients in navigating modern challenges — including how to properly account for digital assets such as cryptocurrency within their estate.
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
One issue that regularly arises in commercial transactions is the impact of restrictive covenants — particularly when they limit development potential or future use of land.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Recent commentary in the legal press has raised concerns about what some are calling a potential “pensions IHT grenade” — a warning that pension funds may not always be as protected from inheritance tax as many assume. Here’s what that means in practical terms.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Break clauses remain one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of any commercial lease. Getting them wrong can have serious financial consequences. Here’s a clear, practical guide to break clauses in today’s commercial property market.