SLC guidance on the Green Deal
Under the Governments Green Deal home owners and tenants are able to borrow money in order to make environmental improvements to their properties. The measures must pay for themselves in the economic lifetime of the measure, with the loan repayable via their electricity bills. The cost of these improvements will remain with the property even […]
Anniversary for ABS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has completed its first year of authorising and regulating alternative business structures (ABS). 387 firms have started the application process since 3 January, 2012. 74 licenses have been granted so far with a further 19 close to completion. 40 of those approved have received their licence over the last month […]
BSA director general to step down
The Building Societies Association has announced that Adrian Coles, Director-General is stepping down from his post later this year after 20 years in post. Commenting on the decision Mr Coles said: "I have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, being the BSA’s Director-General, a position I hold with considerable pride. “However, now is the right time […]
Search Code compliance board adds inspectors
The Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) has announced it has appointed a third inspector responsible for ensuring compliance with the Search Code. Dave Penney joins the team following a stint at search firm SearchFlow, where he was responsible for its compliance requirements, before playing a fundamental part in the drafting of the initial Search Code. […]
Increase in British property stock value
An increase in value of £57 billion in 2012 saw the total value of all British homes of ï¿¡5.963 trillion at the end of December. According to the data from property website Zoopla.co.uk this represents an increase of 0.97% from ï¿¡5.906 trillion at the end of 2011. The figures are calculated by combining the estimated […]
New client money scheme for Bar
Back in December we reported that the Legal Services Board’s thematic review had called into question the issue of holding client money. Last week the Financial Services Authority gave the go-ahead for a scheme that will allow barristers to hold client money through a third party, enabling clients to bypass solicitors and instruct barristers directly […]