Average UK house prices hit £208,000 in 2015
The average UK house price hit £208,000 by the end of 2015, according to data published by Halifax. According to economists at the bank, house prices in December 2015 were 9.5% higher than twelve months previously. Quarterly, prices rose 1.6% for the last three months compared with July – September. Prices also rose month-to-month in […]
Homebuyers losing thousands intended for conveyancers say SRA
Homebuyers are losing money to criminals at a rate of knots, according to the SRA. Speaking on the Victoria Derbyshire show yesterday afternoon after a couple lost their £45,000 deposit to cyber criminals, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Chief Executive, Paul Philip, said: “In December last year we reported ten cases of such scams. It is unfortunately […]
Councils set to charge VAT on searches next month after HMRC intervenes
Councils are set to charge VAT on searches after HMRC decides CON29s should be VAT applicable. While some councils have said they intend to absorb the 20% charge, other authorities have said they intend to apply the charge additionally or even review prices entirely. Today’s Conveyancer understands that some councils intend to introduce the charge from […]
Richard Barnett may appeal striking off over "shameful" £4.86m unpaid loan dishonesty
Richard Barnett, the solicitor struck off by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) over a raft of allegations, including misusing a multi-million pound loan, says he is considering an appeal over the decision. The 65 year old formerly of Merseyside-based Barnetts Solicitors also continues to deny accusations of dishonesty. He also said he intends to continue giving […]