Recent Articles in Problems and Complaints Checklists

Property price update from Kate Faulkner - March 2021
Mar 24, 2021

While we thought we were all heading for a nightmare guillotine at the end of March in the property market, thank goodness the Treasury listened to all those who worked hard to raise the issue of ending Stamp Duty so abruptly. When other markets have been closed down for nearly a year and some people have received no help throughout the pandemic, the property industry has thrived. And although some reports are showing a slowing of activity, most agree that those interested in home moving this year is still higher than previous years, and this growth in demand isn’t likely to stop any time soon. Read more to find out what's happening in your area.

Any surprises in Rishi Sunak's Budget in 2021?
Mar 5, 2021

Yes there were! Lots of things not done that people feared, including, no changes to Capital Gains Tax, no changes to income tax, VAT etc. In reality, this was a pretty good Budget for everyone except tenants in rent arrears and the landlords who are having to deal with a situation where they can’t get rent, can’t evict the tenant and can’t even sell the property to recoup their losses. So, what are the implications of the Budget for people and property in 2021 and beyond?

Kate Faulkner's property price update - February 2021
Feb 18, 2021

My report on regional performance is usually: ‘look how diverse the performance is’ but not this month. All regions have bounded back incredibly post lockdown and rather than forecasts of falls in the housing market, it’s clearly done the opposite. As with the regional growth, most cities experienced extraordinary year on year growth across the UK, however, there are more differences at this lower geographical level. Read more to find out what's happening in your area.

Leasehold enfranchisement - the importance of valuation
Feb 3, 2021

If you’ve decided to extend the lease on your existing flat or a property you are buying, you’re considering buying the freehold of your leasehold house, or you’re clubbing together with your neighbours to buy the freehold of your block (known as “collective enfranchisement”), you will need to obtain a professional valuation. In this article, Henrietta Hammonds member of ALEP’s Advisory Committee considers the importance of valuation in relation to the enfranchisement of leasehold properties.

Do you understand what Green Belt actually means?
Jan 27, 2021

The Green Belt is one of the central mysteries of the English planning process. Most people think they have an idea what it is and what it is for – and often they are only half-right.  So let’s try to unravel the myths and explore when building on Green Belt land is allowable after all.