Articles

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill signals a major shift away from residential leasehold, with proposals to cap ground rents, ban most new leasehold flats and promote commonhold as the future model of ownership.

Planning control sits at the heart of how property can be used. The definition of 'development' under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 includes any material change of use of land or buildings. Where changes are made without consent, the use may become unlawful, exposing owners to enforcement action with serious consequences. 

When refinancing any type of property, be it commercial, residential or development, it is standard practice to conduct a due diligence exercise on the property so that the lender understands the asset it is lending against. This article explores the most common issues revealed by the property register, their significance, and the strategies available to mitigate the risks they pose. 

An overview of reverters on property - why they exist, how to find them, and how they can impact selling land

Climate change is reshaping the property market. Increasingly frequent flooding, storms, heatwaves, and coastal erosion are already affecting properties across the UK. The Environment Agency estimates that one in four properties in England could face flood risk by 2050.

These risks go beyond environmental concerns: they create significant legal, financial, and operational challenges for investors, developers, and occupiers. The Law Society now advises solicitors to treat climate risk as a core element of due diligence in property transactions.

Most commercial leases require that tenants obtain landlord consent before undertaking structural alterations to the property.