Hope for short-lived property market shock – Nationwide
The property market will remain resilient in the face of current challenges if the latest shock passes relatively quickly, with any short-term softening short lived, according to the latest Nationwide House Price Index. The report reveals UK annual house price growth slowed to 1.7% in May, down from 3.0% in April. In line with much […]
Homebuyers spend more than £1,800 on ‘hidden’ moving costs, L&G survey reveals
Moving house is more stressful than divorce according to nearly half of respondents to a new survey by Legal & General. The survey also found that buyers said they had spent over £1,800 on ‘hidden’ costs that hadn’t been accounted for. Of the 2,000 UK homeowners surveyed by the financial services provider, 48% said that […]
Council tax charges on unfinished homes is driving down housing development, HBF warns
A new report warns that the application of council tax to unfinished housing developments is threatening housing delivery. The Licence to Bill report by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Paragon Development Finance reveals almost half (45%) of local authorities are charging developers full council tax on newly built homes awaiting sale or occupation. Council […]
Jeff Lewis elected as new Law Society deputy vice president
The Law Society of England and Wales council has elected Jeff Lewis as its new deputy vice president. Lewis will take office in October 2026, become vice president in 2027 and president of the Law Society in 2028. As deputy district judge on the Northern Circuit since 2001, Lewis gained significant insight into the operations […]
Operational drag: The hidden barrier between law firms and sustainable growth
Damian Reed, head of brand and marketing at QualitySolicitors, explains how firms can use AI as an administration asset to improve margins and enhance reputation, rather than view the technology as a problem to be dealt with. There is a peculiar tension sitting at the heart of many independent law firms right now. Revenue […]