Commercial Leases: The Importance of Break Clauses
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A break clause is a provision in a lease that allows either the landlord, the tenant, or both to terminate the lease early on specified terms and dates. Its inclusion can have a substantial impact on the long-term viability and adaptability of a business. When entering into a long lease for commercial property, both landlords […]
Executors Beware! A Pensions and Inheritance Tax Update
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We have just had the government’s response to the October 2024 consultation process, arising out of the changes to the Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) status of pensions announced in the Autumn Statement. The consultation process triggered strong opposition from the pension industry, and this has resulted in some changes – although not the rollback of the […]
Do Listed Buildings Require an Energy Performance Certificate?
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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) assess a building’s energy efficiency and are generally required when properties are built, sold, or rented. However, whether an EPC is needed for a listed building is a complex question. The crux of the issue lies in whether listed buildings are exempt from EPC obligations. The answer is not entirely straightforward, […]
What are my options if my friend/relative has lost mental capacity and they do not have an LPA?
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If your friend/relative’s capacity is questionable, it is a good idea to ask an appropriate medical professional for a mental capacity report. If your friend/relative is the right side of the line according to that report to make a LPA, that should assist you or a lawyer to have the confidence to draft, execute and […]
Listed Buildings
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Owning, buying, or working on a listed building in the UK comes with specific responsibilities and restrictions due to its protected status. A listed building is one that has been placed on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) due to its architectural or historic importance. There are three types of listing grades: Grade I: […]
Brand Owner Protection, a Step in the Right Direction
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If like me you have wondered how some of the grocery stores manage to get away with the “look-alike” branding for their products, or, if you are a brand owner, how you can protect your brand in the face of what be considered something of an onslaught of free-riding on certain brands’ reputation, then the […]
Spring Cleaning your Personal Affairs
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Spring brings new life and (hopefully) better weather which in turn imparts energy to declutter and reorganise our lives. Psychologically this boosts mood, reduces stress and affords us more time to accomplish activities from which we derive pleasure. Blowing the dust off our personal affairs, checking all is in working order and that we have […]
Breaking Down the Party Wall etc Act 1996
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If you’re planning any building work that affects a shared wall with your neighbour, an understanding of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (“the PWA”) is essential. This legislation is designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when building work is carried out on or near a shared boundary. It also protects the neighbour’s […]
Changes to Inheritance Tax Liability
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Inheritance tax (‘IHT’) planning is a crucial aspect of wealth management, particularly for those who hold assets that currently benefit from inheritance tax (‘IHT’) reliefs. Two significant potential changes to IHT rules could have a profound impact on UK estate planning: The reduction of Business Property Relief (BPR) on AIM shares The inclusion of pensions […]
Tenancy at Will in Commercial Property
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A tenancy at will in Commercial Property is a type of lease arrangement that allows a tenant to occupy a property without a fixed term, meaning it continues until either the landlord or tenant decides to end it. This arrangement offers flexibility but also lacks long-term security for both parties. There are advantages and disadvantages […]