Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The government’s latest planning proposals signal one of the biggest shifts in development control in years — and while the headlines focus on housing, the implications reach far into the commercial property world.
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
Celebrity estate disputes often grab attention, and the recent headlines about Paris Jackson challenging the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate highlight how quickly tensions can arise during probate. While these cases involve global estates and high-value assets, the underlying issues are very similar to those we see every day in UK probate administration.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
This year brings a major shift worth paying attention to: a steep increase in the cost of obtaining official copies of probate documents. Let’s break down exactly what’s changing, when, and what it means for anyone managing an estate.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Buying or selling property involves more than just transferring ownership — it requires careful management of legal and financial obligations, including Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
As climate change increasingly shapes the UK housing landscape, buyers, lenders, and conveyancers are adapting to new environmental realities. From flood risks to long-term sustainability concerns, these factors are now influencing decisions at every stage of a property transaction.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Recent findings from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) highlight a key challenge faced by professionals — inconsistent practices among banks when handling funds from deceased estates.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Our specialist residential conveyancing team helps clients navigate every aspect of buying, selling, or transferring property — from legal checks to managing costs like Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). With potential tax reforms on the horizon, it’s vital for property owners, buyers, and investors to stay informed.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
With inheritance tax (IHT) often seen as one of the most contentious areas of estate planning, proposed reforms have reignited debate about fairness, complexity, and the long-term impact on families.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Recent media coverage around Angela Rayner’s property dealings highlights just how important accuracy, compliance, and transparency are in conveyancing. These lessons aren’t only for politicians — they apply to every buyer, seller, and solicitor involved in the property process.