Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
With ongoing discussions around modernising property transactions, it’s important to understand what these changes could mean for buyers, sellers, and conveyancers.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Companies House reforms introduce identity verification, stricter filing checks and stronger enforcement powers. Landowners, developers and businesses should prepare for the changes, which may affect due diligence, joint ventures, SPVs and commercial property transactions.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Possible caps on lifetime gifting could change how families transfer wealth and plan for inheritance tax. Anyone considering substantial gifts should understand how potential reforms may affect existing exemptions, long-term plans and the value ultimately passed to beneficiaries.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Stable buyer demand, increased property listings and easing mortgage rates are creating a more balanced housing market. Buyers may benefit from greater choice, while realistic pricing and early legal preparation remain important for sellers.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Legal and planning reforms are changing how land promoters and developers assess sites and structure projects. Housing targets, Biodiversity Net Gain, infrastructure costs and increased land-data transparency may affect feasibility, compliance, timescales and development value.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Relaxed mortgage-affordability rules may give some buyers access to a wider range of borrowing options. However, applicants must still satisfy the lender’s individual income, expenditure, deposit, credit and affordability requirements before receiving an offer.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Anti-Money Laundering reforms aim to make identity and source-of-funds checks more consistent, secure and efficient. Property clients should prepare identification, address evidence and financial documents early to reduce the risk of conveyancing delays.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The National Housing Bank could help developers unlock stalled sites through lower-cost infrastructure finance, brownfield remediation funding and support for early-stage development. Accessing this funding may also introduce additional planning, security and compliance requirements.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
The Glastonbury scheme highlights how trusts can still play a valuable role in succession and estate planning despite inheritance-tax considerations. With careful structuring, they may help families manage assets, retain appropriate control and plan for future generations.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
A poor credit history does not necessarily prevent property investment, but borrowers may face larger deposit requirements, higher rates and specialist lending criteria. Careful financial preparation and early legal due diligence can help investors understand their obligations and risks.