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Buying Commercial Property: Everything you need to know before taking the plunge

Hannah Martin
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Commercial property can be a fantastic investment and help elevate your business even further. In this article, Hannah Martin outlines everything you need to know before taking the plunge.

How does the conveyancing process work when purchasing?

Clare Hallett
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When looking to buy a property, the conveyancing process, on the face of it, can be daunting but its important to understand.

So, in this article, Residential Conveyancer Joanna Weller has outlined the conveyancing process from beginning to end in simple terms.

What is Stamp Duty and what are the current rates?

Michelle Petersen
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If you’re looking at buying a home, you may have come across the term Stamp Duty Land Tax. In this article, Conveyancing Partner Michelle Petersen explains stamp duty in more detail and outlines what the current rates are, including those for first time buyers.

The new How to Rent Guide: What it means for landlords

Olivia Parkinson
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The Government have now launched their all new How to Rent Guide for 2023, to add to and update what was included in the previous handbook.

In this article, Landlord & Tenant Specialist Olivia Parkinson outlines what the guide is and what action landlords need to take.

Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance in commercial leases?

Richard Ramshaw
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Knowing who is responsible for repairing which part of a commercial property is important.

Not only will the landlord want to protect their investment and the value of the property, but the tenant will also need to know what their obligations are.

In his latest article, Commercial Property Solicitor Richard Ramshaw outlines ‘who is responsible for what’ in a commercial lease.

VIDEO: What are the rules for short term lets?

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In this video, Will Bartley provides a comprehensive how-to guide to AirBnb short term lettings.

How to get ready for a new tenant - landlord advice

Olivia Parkinson
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Once you’ve found a suitable tenant for your property, and gone through the ‘screening process’ to ensure that they’re the right fit, you’ll need to prepare your property for their arrival.

In this article, Landlord & Tenant Specialist Olivia Parkinson outlines how to get ready for your new tenant and what documents you’ll need to provide.

What to do about Restrictive Covenants on your property?

Olivia Parkinson
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Restrictive covenants, as you may well know, can be a real nuisance for landlords.But what exactly are they, what effect do they have, and how can you remove them. In his latest article, Landlord and Tenant Specialist Olivia Parkinson answers these questions and more.

How to become a Landlord - Specialist Advice

Olivia Parkinson
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In this article, Landlord & Tenant specialist Olivia Parkinson provides advice for people who are looking to become a landlord.

He goes on to outline the responsibilities of a landlord, the costs involved and the benefits.

Can I evict a tenant myself?

Olivia Parkinson
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In this video, Will Bartley looks at whether landlords can evict tenants themselves or whether they should take specialist advice.

VIDEO: How do I prepare for a new tenant?

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If you’re a landlord who’s waiting for a new tenant to move in, you may be wondering what you can do to make sure that you’re prepared for their arrival.
 
In his latest video, Landlord and Tenant Specialist Will Bartley recommends three actions to take to get ready for new tenants.

VIDEO: What responsibilities does a landlord have?

Olivia Parkinson
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If you’re looking to rent out property, you need to be aware of the responsibilities that you will take on as a landlord.
 
So, in this video, Landlord and Tenant Specialist Will Bartley outlines the 5 most important duties that you will have.

VIDEO: How do I rent a property? Advice for new Landlords

Olivia Parkinson
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Are you looking to rent out a property, but unsure where to start? If so, this video might help. Here, Landlord and Tenant Specialist Will Bartley outlines the first steps that you should take.

Property Litigation Q&A: Licence to Alter

Michelle Hayter
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Leaseholders will often want to renovate and modernise their property. Minor interior makeovers will not typically require consent from the Freeholder, however what about more substantial works?

In this article, Property Litigation Associate Michelle Hayter provides advice on Licences to Alter in residential leasehold properties.

Stamp Duty Cut: Here's what it means for you

Clare Hallett
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The Government have today announced a cut in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), as unveiled by the chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng this morning.

But what does this mean for homebuyers, first-time buyers and those in the middle of a transaction?

In her latest article, Conveyancing Partner Clare Hallett outlines what the cut in stamp duty is and what it means for you.

How to start an HMO: Advice for landlords

Hannah Martin
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Hannah Martin provides advice for landlords looking to start an HMO.

Hannah outlines the requirements and licensing conditions, and discusses the responsibilities of an HMO landlord.

A complete guide to commercial mortgages

Patsy Whitford
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Mortgaging is the most popular way of purchasing property and is commonly associated with residential homes. But what about commercial mortgages?

In this article, Commercial Property Associate Patsy Whitford answers some of the most frequently asked questions around commercial mortgages.

Adverse Possession in Commercial Property: How to prove and claim it

Richard Ramshaw
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Richard Ramshaw answers some of the most common and popular questions around adverse possession and provides advice for those looking to prove and claim it.

Dorset Has 3rd Highest Rate of Unoccupied Homes in South West

Michelle Petersen
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While the UK is suffering a high level of homelessness, Dorset has a high number of unoccupied homes in the South West.  The Frettens team has closely analysed the data from the 2021 Census and ONS figures on UK dwellings to determine the...

Pensioners Flocking to the Dorset Area, New Census Data Shows

Clare Hallett
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Dorset is a popular place for retirees to move to over other age groups, new census data reveals. Following the publication of the 2021 Census , we compared this data with that of the 2011 Census to learn more about how the demographics of the Dorset...

Rental Reform White Paper - Key takeaways for Landlords & Tenants

Jason Hayter
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Property Litigation specialist Jason Hayter looks at the recently publishers renters reform White Paper. Will looks at the takeaways for both landlords and tenants, including an update on Section 21 evictions, the private renters ombudsman, decent homes standard and property portal.

Property Litigation Q&A June 2022: Section 20 Consultation for private sector landlords and tenants

Michelle Hayter
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In her latest Q&A, Property Litigation specialist lawyer Michelle Hayter provides advice on the Section 20 Consultation process and its importance to both private residential landlords and tenants.

The Queen's Speech: Everything Landlords need to know

Michelle Hayter
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In the recent Queen’s Speech, plans were outlined for the Renters Reform Bill. This included an update on the abolition of Section 21 evictions and when we might see it. Michelle Hayter summarises the Queen’s Speech; outlining the key takeaways for landlords.

How to deal with a Restrictive Covenant on a Property

Patsy Whitford
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Patsy Whitford looks at the implications of having a restrictive covenant on a property that you own or are looking to buy.

Patsy goes on to outline what happens when a covenant is breached and discusses how you can remove a covenant from your property.

Property Litigation: Commercial Rent Arbitration - What can landlords and tenants do now?

Michelle Hayter
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Frettens’ own ‘Insolvency Guru’ Malcolm Niekirk recently provided his update on understanding rent arbitrations for insolvency practitioners.

In this article, Property Litigation specialist Michelle Hayter provides advice on the impact of the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022 to landlords and tenants.

Energy Performance Certificates - What are they, when are they required and why?

Hannah Martin
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Hannah Martin outlines everything you need to know about EPCs and the upcoming changes to them as well as discussing how you can prepare.

Commercial subletting - What is it, how does it work, and can I do it?

Richard Ramshaw
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Richard Ramshaw looks at subletting. He outlines what it is, how it works and whether you can sublet your property.

He goes on to discuss the benefits and risks of subletting and provides some expert advice from both a tenant and subtenant perspective.

Help to Buy vs Lifetime ISA: Which should I use to buy my first home?

Jennifer Smith
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In this article, Conveyancing Paralegal Sophie Pope takes a look at Help to Buy and Lifetime ISAs.

Sophie outlines the ins and outs of each ISA and answers some frequently asked questions from first-time buyers around ISAs.

Lease or Licence: What's the difference and which is best?

Richard Ramshaw
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In his first article, Commercial Property Solicitor Richard Ramshaw outlines the difference between a commercial lease and licence.

Richard goes on to discuss which is best, from both a landlord and tenant perspective.

What is the 'Levelling Up' White Paper and what does it mean for Landlords?

Anna Curtis
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Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced the ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper yesterday, which will attempt to “change the economic model of this country”.

Landlord & Tenant specialist Anna Curtis details what will be included in the White Paper and discusses the key takeaways for landlords below.

Our tips for moving day and beyond

Julia Gaunt
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Our bright property experts have written this article to guide you through the moving day process and beyond.

They provide some top tips for moving day and outline some considerations and questions that should be asked once you’re in the property.

A complete guide for First-Time Buyers

Clare Hallett
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We've created and provided a complete guide to buying your first home. We've detailed everything from first-contact to completion.

Buy-to-let mortgages: Everything you need to know

Jennifer Smith
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If your looking to buy-to-let, then this article is for you. Members of our Conveyancing, Tax and Dispute teams have outlined everything you need to know about buy-to-let mortgages.

Contacting your freeholder for a Deed of Variation

Hannah Faith
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Hannah Faith outlines how to write a deed of variation letter and contact your freeholder. She then discusses what to be cautious of in the freeholders offer and provides the steps involved in variation.

Buying the Freehold and the Right of First Refusal

Niki Adkins
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Niki Adkins discusses the role of the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) when a landlord sells their freehold. Anne considers what he ROFR means for leaseholders and what options they have.

Buying and selling a Beach Hut - Q&A

Richard Ramshaw
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With the popularity of the 'staycation' rising, beach huts have inevitably become more sought after. Fiona Knight answers your questions on buying and selling a beach hut.

Back to basics: Lease Extensions

Niki Adkins
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In this article, Niki Adkins provides a ‘back to basics’ look at lease extensions.

Anne outlines what a lease extension is, when you might need one and how much one costs.

Back to basics: Leases

Niki Adkins
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In this article, Leasehold Property Specialist Niki Adkins gives a 'back to basics' overview of leases. Niki outlines what a lease is and explains the key differences between short and long leases.

Can flat-owners modernise or update their leases if they own their freehold?

Niki Adkins
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Leasehold Property Associate Niki Adkins looks at whether co-freeholders can modernise or update their leases. Niki discusses the benefits of lease moderniation and the steps involved in doing so.

The importance of having a suitable AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement)

Anna Curtis
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Property Litigation specialist lawyer, Anna Curtis, provides advice on why a suitable AST is required to be provided by the landlord at the start of the tenancy; discussing what this has meant for landlords and tenants.

A guide to stamp duty for First Time Buyers

Julia Gaunt
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Do first time buyers pay stamp duty? How much is stamp duty for first time buyers? Julia Gaunt looks at stamp duty first time buyers and whether first time buyers pay stamp duty.

Getting your commercial property ready for sale - a checklist

Oonagh McKinney
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There are some real advantages to putting in hand steps to prepare your property for sale even before it is put on the market. Commercial Property Partner Oonagh McKinney outlines some steps that can be taken to prepare your commercial property for sale.

The interim Part L uplift - Here's what you need to know

Hannah Martin
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Commercial Property Solicitor Hannah Martin looks at the upcoming interim Part L uplift, which intends to increase the energy efficiency standards. Hannah outlines when the uplift comes into force and details how to prepare for the changes.

Property Litigation Q&A: Residential lettings - Where are we now?

Anna Curtis
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Property Litigation specialist lawyer, Anna Curtis, provides an update on how residential lettings have been impacted by the pandemic; what this has meant for landlords and tenants; and how this will evolve over the next few months.

Challenges and opportunities ahead in the commercial property market

Hannah Martin
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With the increase in consumers moving to online shopping and more and more people working from home as a result of the pandemic, there are inevitable challenges ahead for landlords and tenants of retail and office space.

Fiona Knight looks at the challenges and opportunities facing commercial landlords and tenants.

A guide to what's involved in the Informal Lease Extension process

Hannah Faith
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Hannah Faith, Leasehold Property Paralegal at Frettens, looks at the Informal Lease Extension route. She provides advice on contacting a freeholder, how to write an extension enquiry and what to look out for in the terms of extension.

My leaseholder asked for a lease extension: Advice for freeholders

Niki Adkins
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Niki Adkins provides advice for freeholders who have been asked for their lease to be extended. She looks at the steps involved in the statutory and non-statutory lease extension processes, outlining what freeholders need to do.

Aviva and Persimmon to scrap ground rents and to sell freeholds at a discount

Niki Adkins
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Aviva and Persimmon have taken further steps to assist leaseholders, pledging to scrap ground rents and to sell freeholds at a discount. Niki Adkins looks at the announcement and discusses whether other housing developers and freeholders will follow suit.

How do I sell my freehold? A guide to the process involved

Hannah Faith
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Freeholders may choose to sell their freehold, or could be forced to sell their freehold through a process called Collective Enfranchisement.

Hannah Faith details the steps involved in selling the freehold, providing advice for freeholders on what they need to adhere in the sale process.

Ban on commercial evictions extended to March 2022

Olivia Parkinson
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Yesterday, it was confirmed that the ban on commercial evictions is set to be extended. Landlord & Tenant lawyer Olivia Parkinson looks at the extension, outlining the key dates and discussing the impact for commercial landlords and tenants.

How can parents protect the bank of mum and dad?

Michelle Petersen
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If nothing is done to protect the bank of mum and dad, there is no guarantee that monies will not be treated as a shared asset in divorce and split with the child’s partner.

Conveyancing Associate Michelle Petersen details the various ways in which parents can protect the bank of mum and dad.

BoMaD: How can parents help first-time buyers?

Michelle Petersen
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According to a recent study by Legal & General, over half of first-time buyers under 35 received a financial gift from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BOMAD).

In this article, Conveyancing Associate Michelle Petersen details the different ways in which parents can help their child buy their first home.

Commercial Tenancies and COVID legislation: What protections are set to come to an end?

Hannah Martin
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In this article, Commercial Property Solicitor Hannah Martin provides the dates for when the reliefs and protections for commercial tenancies are coming to an end, detailing what this means for landlords & tenants of commercial property.

Can I alter or improve my flat if I co-own the freehold?

Niki Adkins
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Leasehold Property Specialist Niki Adkins debunks the misconception that a freehold owner can do what they want; and discusses how a co-freeholder needs to use a licence to alter to make alterations to their property.

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