Insights

Exchanging contracts is a major milestone. At this point you are legally committed to the move. Completion is the day ownership changes and the keys are released. The period between the two can feel short and intense, so knowing what needs to happen helps everything run smoothly.

Buying a property with a partner, family member, or friend is an exciting step, but it is important to record your intentions from the outset, especially if one party is providing a larger deposit. Clear arrangements can help prevent misunderstanding and disputes later, or if your circumstances change.

Taking effect from 1 September 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") will introduce new rules aimed at aligning conduct standards across banks and non banks in cases of serious non-financial misconduct ("NFM").

A Vulnerable Beneficiary Trust (VBT) is a unique type of UK trust that is intended to make provision for a beneficiary who cannot manage their own financial affairs due to disability, illness or vulnerability. The objectives of the trust are to provide long-term financial security for the beneficiary and to preserve access to important tax advantages.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a further update on its new assessment approach, confirming that it will run a structured programme of pilots and testing between June and October 2026, with final evaluation due in November 2026.

The update marks an important next step in the CQC's wider work to restore credible and consistent regulation, support provider improvement, and give the public assurance that people are receiving safe, high-quality care.