185 firms apply for extended cover
The SRA has revealed that 185 firms have applied to them for the extended indemnity period (EIP) of insurance, having failed to secure cover by 1 October. Previously firms would have been to apply to enter the Assigned Risks Pool (ARP), where the whole profession and all participating insurers covered any liabilities, however this was […]
Record high for bridging finance
According to the latest West One Bridging Index total gross bridging lending reached £1.79 billion in the year to August 2013. July and August marked a record high for bridging loans with £194 million in gross advances representing an estimated 36% of total lending. Over the last year buy-to-let landlords have used £640 million in […]
Changes rung for Chancel Repair
Today marks the start of a new regime for chancel repair, with properties sold now being free of any liability for repairs to medieval and earlier church chancels unless the right has been registered by the relevant PCC. It will still be possible for churches to register the liability on a property, but only if […]
Vote now: Local Land Charges awards
Throughout October and November solicitors and conveyancers across the country are asked to nominate the local authority that provides them with the best customer service. Nominations for the Customer Satisfaction Award for local authority searches can be made by local authority searches customers —solicitors and licensed conveyancers. The closing date for all entries is December […]
New leasehold process to speed to home sales
A new standardised procedure for buying and selling flats has been announced that it says will make property transactions easier. The Leasehold Property Enquiries Form, or LPE1, is a standardised questionnaire for the industry which it is thought will reduce leasehold transactions by between five and 10 days and save UK consumers a combined total […]
Conveyancing Association highlights lack of conveyancers
Eddie Goldsmith, Chairman of the Conveyancing Association has highlighted the need for more conveyancers, especially with the arrival of the second phase of Help to Buy. He said that many members of the Conveyancing Association are recruiting staff in order to service the increased workload. He said: “It is a great position for us all […]