New campaign seeks to speed up homebuying process by reforming AML regime

new-campaign-seeks-to-speed-up-homebuying-process-by-reforming-aml-regime

The Property Lawyers Alliance (PLA) has launched a campaign designed to speed up property transactions by cutting the mountain of red tape ‘suffocating’ conveyancing. The PLA says it understands the necessity for the government to tackle money laundering. However, the vast panoply of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidance notes, laws, regulations, and sanctions in conveyancing and … Read more

London council to introduce selective licensing for all privately rented properties

london-council-to-introduce-selective-licensing-for-all-privately-rented-properties

Westminster City Council has announced the implementation of a new Selective Licensing Scheme for privately rented homes, which will impact the rental sector across the large London region. The new scheme, set to cover 15 of the city’s 18 wards, will apply to all privately rented properties excluding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are … Read more

Barratt Supreme Court ruling provides ‘easier route for builders to reclaim losses’

barratt-supreme-court-ruling-provides-‘easier-route-for-builders-to-reclaim-losses’

The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Barratt Redrow in a major legal case that could clear the way for developers to sue their consultants and engineers for contributions to building safety remediation costs. The ruling deemed that structural engineers owe “a duty of care” to developers for economic losses arising from negligent building … Read more

Independent estate agency merges with multi-branch enterprise

independent-estate-agency-merges-with-multi-branch-enterprise

Higham Estate Agents in Greater Manchester has merged with Miller Metcalfe, which has a presence across the whole of the North West. Higham, a single branch agency in Tyldesley, will retain its local identity, while benefiting from the resources, technology, and brand recognition of this Northern powerhouse. Dean Higham, director at Higham Estates, said: “This … Read more