Stamp Duty Land Tax – Changes are Coming Once Again
- Published
- Author
-
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – a tax which falls due to HMRC when purchasing property in England and Northern Ireland. The Government’s Autumn Budget brought about changes for property acquisitions in England and Northern Ireland, which included the immediate increase of fees for investors and second homeowners. Has this had any impact for […]
Mediation Matters when Relationships Break Down
- Published
- Author
-
When relationships break down it is often very difficult to know where to start in sorting things out. There are lots of things to think about as well as dealing with the emotional fallout. You may be worried about your income and how everything can be afforded, whether you might have to move home, the […]
The Budget and What Next for Farming Families? – Part 1
- Published
- Author
-
The thunderbolt changes to Inheritance Tax for farmers announced in the Budget go live at the end of March 2026, if of course one takes the view that the government will not choose to backtrack in light of the reaction from farmers. But the very fact that the current system is in place until then […]
Commercial Property Leases and Security of Tenure – Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
- Published
- Author
-
“My tenant mentioned ‘security of tenure’ so I thought I should check with my Solicitor what that means for me”. These were the words spoken to me by a landlord client recently who had just been told by an informed tenant, in no uncertain terms, that they had a right to remain in the property […]
Inheritance Tax and Equity Release – Part 2
- Published
- Author
-
In part 1, we discussed what Equity Release is and how it can be teamed with Inheritance Tax planning to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable upon death. Click here to read part 1. Equity Release and Gifting Equity Release coupled with gifting can effectively decrease the amount of Inheritance Tax payable by beneficiaries. That […]
Inheritance Tax and Equity Release – Part 1
- Published
- Author
-
How does Equity Release affect Inheritance Tax, particularly in light of the forecast changes to Inheritance Tax brining in the value of pensions after 6 April 2027? This article should not be considered as bespoke legal advice suitable to you and your circumstances. It also does not remove the need to seek appropriate financial advice […]
The Government’s Right to Buy Changes
- Published
- Author
-
As part of the eagerly awaited Budget on the 30th of October 2024, much of the information regarding changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax was disclosed as well as changes to the surcharge for investment properties. That said, there was less information publicised as to the changes to the Government Right to Buy Scheme […]
The New Rules for the Digital Marketplace
- Published
- Author
-
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) is a new law that aims to reshape the UK’s consumer protection landscape. But what does it mean for the average person? At its core, the DMCCA is about preventing businesses from engaging in unfair commercial practices. These are tactics that mislead or pressure consumers, often leading […]
Will Trusts – a brief guide
- Published
- Author
-
One thing we are asked about frequently, and one of the most complicated aspects of Wills, is trusts and how they work, how they can be utilised in your Will, and the relevant tax consequences. Trusts are frequently misunderstood by clients as they can be difficult to explain without over complicating matters causing clients to […]
October Budget: changes to pensions and the impact that has on those leaving 10% of their estate to charity
- Published
- Author
-
The implications of the budget will continue to be felt many months if not years into the future. The changes, as far as money purchase pensions, with value in them at the date of the pensioner’s death counting towards that individual’s Inheritance Tax estate, only comes in as of April 2027. For those who die […]