Insights

Purchasing your home is an exciting milestone, and for many, opting for a new build property is an appealing choice. New builds often come with modern designs, energy efficiency, and the promise of being free from the wear and tear associated with older homes. However, the process of buying a new build can be complex, and buyers should be aware of their legal rights and potential pitfalls. Below, we outline key legal tips to help you navigate the new build market confidently and protect your interests.

The section 106 system is intended to promote the availability of affordable housing and protect communities from suffering adverse impacts on their local services due to development in the area. However, s106 agreements are often a delay-ridden cog in an increasingly slow and overwhelmed planning system preventing the efficient delivery of much-needed homes.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill marks a significant milestone in the journey to end the residential leasehold system. Some of the proposals aim to provide homeowners with greater security and long-term certainty. Key proposals include abolishing forfeiture, introducing a court-supervised lease enforcement scheme, and reforming remedies linked to rentcharges.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that a dismissal was not automatically unfair for whistleblowing, but held that the tribunal made legal errors when assessing a related whistleblowing detriment claim.

The government has published guidance to help employers prepare gender equality action plans ahead of a new reporting requirement expected to become mandatory from 2027.

The High Court has confirmed that a TUPE transfer does not amount to “compulsory retirement”, redundancy or reorganisation for the purposes of triggering early payment of pension benefits.