Property Law Updates

The Government has confirmed that the right to change buildings from office use to residential use without the need to obtain planning permission, which was due to expire in May 2016, is to be continued.

What is a house? That would appear to be a simple question, but it has taxed judges for decades. However, in a decision which will assist thousands of tenants to acquire the freehold of their

The image of country dwellers up in arms at the prospect of housing developments is a powerful one. However, in one case, landowners intent on building 79 new homes on the edge of a West

In a case which underlined the importance of high-calibre conveyancing, residents of a 17th century mansion which had been partitioned into smaller dwellings ended up in dispute a generation later over ownership of an attic

Planning applications often engage many competing interests and maintaining public confidence in the process can be a minefield for decision-makers. In one case, a housing development was blocked by the High Court on grounds that

The appearance of neighbourhoods deeply matters to residents and local authorities have the power to compulsorily purchase derelict eyesores – however, the cost of doing so can be punitive amidst a galloping property market. In

In a case which underlined the need for independent legal advice before entering into potentially life-changing transactions, a widow has failed to convince the High Court that she gave her £1.25 million home to her

It is only natural that many parents wish to give property to their children or sell it to them on preferential terms – however, family relationships can change and a tribunal decision has underlined how

Title deeds to land can often contain traps that only a professional conveyancer is trained to spot. In one case which proved the point, development restrictions which dated back more than 50 years almost defeated

Selective licensing schemes in respect of private rented homes are an increasingly popular means of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and one High Court case has underlined their legal and financial significance for residential landlords.