Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
When disagreements arise after someone passes away, one of the most important questions is: who pays the legal costs?
Recent sector commentary has highlighted growing concern about litigation funding and the circumstances in which costs can properly be paid from an estate.
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
When securing finance for commercial property, due diligence is not just a formality — it is a critical legal and financial safeguard. Understanding how due diligence works in commercial property finance can help you avoid costly risks and delays
Reading time: 3 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
When legislation changes, particularly around inheritance tax and estates, it can directly affect grieving families. Recent warnings from the Law Society about the proposed Finance Bill highlight potential financial risks for the bereaved — and why careful estate planning has never been more important.
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
As families look ahead to a new year, many take the opportunity to put important legal affairs in order. At Ives & Co, our wills and probate specialists see January as a key moment when people pause, reflect, and plan for the future. In 2026, will-making is being shaped by changing family structures, evolving assets, and greater awareness of long-term planning — making this the ideal time to review what really matters.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Planning ahead becomes even more important when tax rules shift — and at Ives & Co Solicitors, our will & probate specialists help families protect their estates with clear, tailored advice. The Autumn Budget 2025 has brought inheritance tax (IHT) back into focus, with updates that could affect thousands of households from next year.