Anyone who has bought or sold a property in England will probably recognise the frustration. An offer is accepted. Everyone is delighted. And then… everybody waits. The Government believes the home buying and selling process takes too long, costs too much and has an unacceptably high rate of transactions falling through. It now intends to change it.
Buying a new build property is an exciting milestone. Whether you are a first-time buyer or moving into a brand-new home, new build developments can offer modern designs, energy efficiency and attractive incentives from developers.
However, one decision that buyers are often encouraged to make early in the process is which conveyancing solicitor to use. Many developers strongly recommend a particular solicitor or conveyancing firm and may even offer financial incentives if you choose them.
Commonhold is a form of freehold ownership tailored for multi-unit buildings, such as blocks of flats. Each owner holds the freehold title to their individual unit (e.g., a flat) and becomes a member of a commonhold association—a company limited by guarantee that manages shared spaces like hallways, roofs, and gardens. The association operates democratically: decisions on maintenance, budgets, and rules are made by unit owners, typically through voting based on allocated shares.
We’re delighted to announce that Comptons Solicitors has been named Residential Conveyancing Law Firm of the Year in The Lawyer Network Awards 2025
Ah, the modern workplace—where collaboration and innovation thrive, and the thermostat is the battleground of passive-aggressive warfare. If you’ve ever shared an office in the UK, you’ve likely experienced this: one person shivers like they’re stationed in the Arctic, while the other roasts as if they’ve been relocated to the Sahara. This isn’t just about temperature—it’s about survival.
Moving can be one of the most stressful processes in our lives, usually because you are relying on other people, many of whom you don’t have control over (banks/surveyors/other parties etc). Speeding up the sale or purchase of a house or flat requires strategic planning, preparation, and proactive communication. With proper steps, buyers and sellers can reduce timeframes that are often impacted by lengthy procedures, complex paperwork, and potential delays. Here are essential tips for accelerating the process, ensuring a smooth and timely transaction.
On Friday 24th May 2024 the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“LAFRA”) was given Royal Assent during what is known as the “wash up” and the last parliamentary session of Sunak’s Conservative Government. It follows the Law Commission’s consultation (which started in 2018) which recommended fundamental changes to the valuation methodology and the legal process with a view to making it cheaper and easier for leaseholders to extend their leases and buy their freeholds.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, has now been published. Its contents are significant for leaseholders of flats and houses, if it does indeed become law.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is on the horizon, and the Government aims to shake up the leasehold housing market. In the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023, they laid out the plan for this new law, which is intended to simplify and make more affordable the process of leaseholders buying their freehold, extending their leases, taking over management rights, and shielding them from hefty service charges.