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Freehold and Leasehold Property

Freehold and leasehold are terms that are used so commonly by conveyancers and it can often be taken for granted that you, as a prospective buyer or seller, will understand what they mean. The essential difference between freehold and leasehold is that when...

Buying and Selling Property at Auction

Sometimes it may be beneficial to put a property into an auction, or you may find yourself wanting to bid on a property that has been entered for sale at auction. Properties can be put up for auction for a number of reasons; such as a quick sale, needing...

Norfolk Court Open Day

On 1st September,  we were pleased to be invited to take part when Norfolk Courts held an Open Day for members of the public to gain a greater insight in how the Criminal Justice System works. There were stalls manned by the Magistrates, Probation,...

Residential Lease Extensions

The value of a leasehold flat can be reduced significantly if the term of years remaining on the Lease is considered too short, with many Lenders reluctant to provide mortgages for flats with a shorter term. This can in turn affect the ability to mortgage...

How to protect your property from fraudulent transactions

For most people, their property is the largest asset they own, so protecting it from being sold or mortgaged fraudulently is extremely important. There are a number of factors which could mean a property is more at risk or more attractive to criminals...

Great East Anglian Run raises £1500 for Feed Fenland

A team from MCP recently threw on their running trainers and took part in the GEAR 10k, a course renowned for attracting a large number of runners because of the flat course and perfect opportunities for personal best times! The course runs through the heart...

Energy Efficiency for Commercial Properties

The Government have recently announced the proposal that any Commercial property starting a new tenancy will require an EPC rating of B or above. The idea is that this will be implemented in two stages lasting until 1st April 2030 to try and achieve net zero...

Commercial Rent Deposit Deeds

Commercial Rent Deposit Deeds – What Are They And Why Are They Important? When business owners think about moving the location of their business, often the terms of the Lease are the first thing that is discussed, understandably so. As well as...

Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief for Mulitiple Dwellings

Stamp Duty is something that we all must consider when buying a property, it is commonly discussed when budgeting, and can have a significant impact on whether or not you are able to proceed to making that eagerly anticipated offer to buy. Unlike first time...

ESW1 Form - What is it and how does it affect your ability to sell your flat

Following the Grenfell fire disaster in 2017, there has been particular focus on the safety of high-rise buildings and the potential fire risk of any external wall systems (‘EWS’).  Concerns were raised about the extent of any remedial...

What is Right to Buy

The Government runs a number of schemes to assist individuals in buying properties, two of these schemes, “Right to Buy” and “Right to Acquire”, are aimed at those who are in accommodation provided by their local council or authority....

Equity Release

For many homeowners, equity release can be a useful way of realising some the value held within your property in return for a cash lump sum. You may require some additional funds to to-up a pension or savings for retirement, fund renovation works to the...

Energy Performance Certificates

When buying or selling your home there are several steps to the process that need to happen before legal completion can take place. One of these steps is for the seller to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to a potential buyer or to a potential...

Legal 500 Recognition

The hard work, dedication and expertise of our Crime Department has once again been recognised nationally in the latest edition of the Legal 500. This is the world’s leading legal directory which assesses law firms in over 150 Jurisdictions. For many...

Stamp Duty following the mini budget

The government has recently announced changes to residential stamp duty as part of the mini-budget in September and we highlight some of the changes below. The amendments made are permanent,  so are different to the stamp duty holiday that was...

Overages - what are they and how do they work ?

From smaller parcels of garden land to larger parts of agricultural land, Overages (or ‘Clawbacks’ as they are more commonly known), can prove popular with sellers where such land may have development potential or otherwise achieve additional...

Promotions in Our Property Department

We are delighted to announce some well-deserved promotions within our Property Department. Firstly, Chloe Kitchen , Solicitor and previously Partner has climbed the ranks to equity Partner and Head of the Property Department. Chloe is based at our...

We Have Moved (In Peterborough)

We are delighted to announce the exciting new move of our Peterborough office. Having been the last law firm on “Solicitors Row” in Priestgate, we felt it was time to move on and have moved to a smart, modern new location on the Minerva Business...

No Fault Evictions

Many have welcomed the recent proposed reforms to the private rented sector. Under the proposals Landlords will be banned from evicting tenants without reason, as presently permitted under the ‘no-fault’ regime. A White Paper published last...

Help to Build Scheme

The Government has been running  ‘Help to Buy’ and ‘Right to  Buy’ schemes for a number of years now, which see the Government help by providing a second charge for homeowners or allowing them to buy properties they have...

Suffolk Philharmonic Concert 25th June

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra in their forthcoming concert at Ely Cathedral, as part of the Ely Arts Festival. We and our guests are looking forward to an evening of atmospheric music in stunning surroundings. The...

Ground Rent Reform - Good News for Owners of New Leasehold Properties

In 2017, the government announced measures to root out unfair practices within the residential leasehold system, including limiting the amount of any ground rent paid by the owner of a residential leasehold property to their freeholder / landlord. Following...

No Fault Divorce - But Be Wary

The press is full of stories about the new no fault divorce law which comes into force today (6th April). The Government brought this in to reduce the conflict between couples, and that is to be celebrated as bad feeling about the reason for the divorce...

Commercial Leases - The Importance of Negotiating Insurance Provisions

If commercial premises are damaged to the extent that the tenant is unable to use the premises, then you would think that the tenant would expect a rent break. In such circumstances a landlord would look to rely upon their insurance to cover any loss of rent...

Should I Register My House With The Land Registry ?

Land or property must be registered with the Land Registry when it changes hands or is mortgaged, this is why we will often refer to ‘Land Registry fees’, or making an application to the Land Registry after completion of a property transaction. ...