Insights
- Articles
What is the 'Your First Home' scheme and what should first-time buyers do before reserving a new build?
06 Oct 2026On 26 September 2026, the government announced 'Your First Home', a new equity loan scheme that will let first-time buyers purchase an eligible new-build property in England with a deposit of just 2.5% of the purchase price. The government would provide an initial interest-free equity loan representing 20% of the price, leaving the buyer to arrange a mortgage for the remaining 77.5%.
Full details, including the interest-free period, income and price caps, and the launch date, are due to be confirmed at the Budget on 28 October 2026.
- Articles
Equality action plans meet the new union equality representative role: what Universities need to know
06 Oct 2026The Employment Rights Act 2025 creates two interconnected equality mechanisms that University HR teams and executive and governance boards will need to understand and engage with.
- Articles
The OfS free speech complaints scheme is now live: what providers need to know
06 Oct 2026In May 2026, we reported on the Government’s plans for an Office for Students (OfS) free speech complaints scheme (Scheme) under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (HEFSA), expected to launch in September.
The Scheme went live on 1 September 2026. This update summarises the main rules, exclusions and some practical implications, particularly where an employment tribunal claim may also arise.
- Articles
OfS streamlines requirements for further education colleges offering higher education
06 Oct 2026The Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed changes to the conditions of registration applying to further education colleges offering higher education in England. The changes remove certain OfS requirements where colleges are already subject to Department for Education oversight, including requirements relating to access and participation, financial viability and sustainability and governance. They have applied since 9 July 2026.
- Articles
Not just residential - why landlords of mixed-use premises need to know about the right of first refusal
06 Oct 2026If you are the landlord of a building that includes both residential and commercial premises, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (LTA 1987) may apply to you, even if you regard the property primarily as a commercial premises.
The Right of First Refusal (ROFR) under the LTA 1987 is often thought of as applying only to residential properties, but it also affects mixed use premises across a wide range of sectors. Landlords of buildings such as GP surgeries, offices, retail premises, educational facilities, or hospitality venues that contain residential flats should be aware of their obligations, as failure to comply can carry significant legal and financial consequences.
- Articles
Buying a residential property at auction - preparation before you bid
30 Sept 2026Auctions can offer speed and opportunity, but the winning bid may commit you to much more than the purchase price.
Buying residential property at auction can be an effective way to secure a home or investment, often within a much shorter timeframe than a conventional purchase. However, the legal commitment can arise immediately, leaving little opportunity to investigate problems or renegotiate afterwards. This article explains how auction purchases work, the main risks and the steps you can take to bid with confidence.
