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The government is planning to introduce a new permitted development right for upwards extensions, as part of its plans to deliver new homes. John Pearce outlines the plans and what they might mean in practice The government is expected to continue...

In the recent case of Shaviram Normandy Ltd v Basingstoke and Dean BC [2019] the Tribunal agreed to modify a leasehold covenant so as to allow offices to be used for residential use in order to enable conversion under the statutory permitted development...

Going into business for the first time can be one of the most daunting things you can do but it can also be one of the most exciting. A recent study indicates that 20% of small businesses will fail within the first year. This however means that 80% of small...

During the conservative elections PM Boris Johnson pledged to give millions of young people the chance to own their own homes whilst vowing not to build on green belts. Today we may now have the details to how Mr Johnson plans to deliver on his promise, with...

This trend has increased since 2018 and continues to grow. However, the trend seems to only apply to those with over ten properties. Property investors owning less than ten properties are still choosing to purchase as an individual. The research also...

Here at Attwells Solicitors we are committed to stress free conveyancing, we do our upmost to speed up your transaction and pride ourselves on being great communicators. To help our clients move with ease we have created a postcode guide to property values...

Attwells Solicitors are property law and planning experts with offices in Colchester, Ipswich & North London. We believe in jargon-free law and transparent pricing. Unlike many other legal firms, especially in London we offer a no move, no fee guarantee....

Together with other leaseholders within your building you have engaged in a collective enfranchisement. Now, as a group you have control of the freehold but how do you manage this? You have two options, you can set up a company or buy the freehold in your...

On 23 rd July the Conservative Party will vote for a new leader who will become the next Prime Minister. Both candidates during The Final Showdown which was streamed on YouTube and on TalkRADIO discussed their strategy to help young people onto the property...

Following the consultation which took place last year the Government have revealed their proposals to remedy the issues which surround the residential leasehold market. The Government have split their proposals into four main categories: A ban on new...

Colchester Borough Council has served further notice on the owners of the former Odeon site requiring it be tidied up. This is the second notice the Council has served, as it was reported that all the requirements in the previous notice were not complied...

Local café owner has been convicted and fined for putting new signs on his shop without planning consent. Last week the Court ruled the café owner breached planning regulations by placing exterior signs to Cafe NYT, a listed building which is...

George Michael’s death on Christmas Day 2016 left his friends, family and millions of fans around the world devastated. When you die the contents of your will becomes public and this is the same for your or I as it is for millionaire rock legends. ...

An estimated 5% of all UK properties are affected by invasive species such as Japanese knotweed. Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing extremely robust perennial that forms clumps, similar to bamboo, growing up to 2m high. The plant can block drains,...

Entering the planning system can be a frustrating and stressful time. Here are my top tips for reducing the stress and frustration of the planning system: Make sure permission is/is not required before starting work Starting work on your project...

You will require planning permission for any extension to the front of your house. You will also require planning permission if your extension has more than one storey and is on the side of your house. Your extension may require planning permission if you...

You may be right in thinking that Brexit has dominated the thinking of the Government in the last three years. However, closely behind Brexit is the issue of housing and the regulation of those working in the sector, particularly estate and letting agents. ...

From 1 st June 2019 the new Tenant Fees Act will be law capping tenant deposits and banning letting fees traditionally paid to estate agents, reducing the overall cost of renting a property. What does the new Tenant Fees Act mean for tenants? It has...

Yesterday reports of a widening gap between asking prices and selling prices were broadcast and published across the media. Although it’s fair to say residents or those seeking to move to the St. John’s Wood area would notice a gap, our data...

Over the weekend, the Government announced that the right to erect single-storey rear extensions in England, up to a maximum depth of 8 metres (or 6 metres for attached houses), has been made permanent. You will still require full planning permission for...