Blog

As it stands the Stamp Duty holiday is to end on 31 March 2021. Many leading experts expect an immediate end to the holiday will lead to a downturn in the property market which has seen somewhat of a boom over the last 6-8 months.

The Ramsdens Solicitors Conveyancing department has been enhanced by the appointment of residential property expert, Emma Gledhill, who joins the team as a Senior Associate in the Halifax office.

​The Government estimates that over 450,000 property sales and lettings have been halted since the restrictions on viewings and house moves were imposed back in March, but new guidance in England this week means estate agents, removal companies and conveyancers can get back to work.

When buying a property, whether it be for the first time or one of many, deeds to a property must be inspected properly to avoid any nasty surprises rearing their head further down the line.

Flooding can bring devastation to affected homes and areas. Buying in an area of high ground might be the answer.

The Government’s Rent to Buy scheme is designed to ease the transition from renting to becoming a home owner.

The Right to Buy scheme is not a new concept and has been around from 1980. However, some may still not be aware of what the scheme allows secure tenants of councils to do and the scheme may not last forever.

The Ramsdens Conveyancing team often get approached by clients that are wanting to gift property to their children or other relatives. It is important to understand the effects of gifting property, especially if the property is your main residence. The team have set out some points to consider before giving property away.

During the conveyancing process of buying and selling a house you will often hear the words “exchange of contracts” and “completion” but what does this mean? Karen James from our Conveyancing departments explains.

Mortgage offers can be long and complicated documents, but as you are likely to be paying them off for years, it is essential that you check the small print carefully. Karen James, Partner and Head of the Residential Conveyancing team at Ramsdens discusses what you should look for before you sign!

With the risk of flooding becoming an increasing problem for property owners, Karen James from our residential conveyancing team looks at the importance of carrying out a flood risk search when purchasing a new property.

We are delighted to announced that that we have been shortlisted for two awards at the prestigious Yorkshire Legal Awards, which is now celebrating its 20th year.

Ramsdens Solicitors LLP are members of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). The CQS was launched in 2011 and allows conveyancing practices to show that they “follow best practice, meet the required standards of technical expertise and client service and are able to satisfy regulators, lenders and insurers”.

Case Law Update – Adverse possession Thorpe v Frank 2019

Leading Yorkshire law firm Ramsdens Solicitors has appointed a highly experienced Residential Conveyancing Partner to its expanding team.

As property prices stagnate and more lenders are offering good value high loan-to-value (LTV) loans, conditions are looking good for those wanting to buy their first home.

Thinking of buying a Leasehold flat? Here are some important points to consider which you may not have anticipated.

Let us start by saying instructing a local firm to act on your behalf when buying or selling your home is definitely not essential. In fact, at Ramsdens we assist clients in buying and selling property all over the country with the same level of service for both local and long distance clients. However, for some, the convenience and importance of being involved throughout makes instructing a local firm an easier choice. Here are our top five of the numerous benefits of using a local firm rather than an online or distance conveyancer.

Buying a home can be stressful. But having a list of things to consider can help to reduce the hassle. Read our list of top tips from our Head of Residential Conveyancing, Karen James.

According to research from broker L&C Mortgages, almost a third of first-time buyers (31%) are unsure whether the recent stamp duty changes will benefit them, leaving them underestimating what they can afford. So, what do the changes mean, and how do they affect first-time buyers?

The rules defining a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are changing. ACT NOW!

At present the following criteria must be met for the property to be classed as an HMO:

Comprise 3 or more storeys;
Are occupied by 5 or more people living in two or more single households; and
The occupiers share basic amenities such as bathing and/or cooking facilities.

That will change on 1 October 2018. If you have a license already, you still need to pay attention to these rules as they may affect you.

You may be aware that the Government has recently published four new guides aimed at helping both private rental landlords and their tenants. The guides – part of a new ‘How To’ series, have been put in place to provide more information on the Government’s official advice for the private rented sector in England. The guides were released at the end of June by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and are available for free from the Government’s website.