New manifesto for homebuying reform (LSG)
Streamlining money laundering rules, leasehold reform and a big push towards electronic conveyancing are identified as priorities in a manifesto from conveyancers to improve the homebuying process in England and […]
Mortgage industry hits out at constant ‘merry-go-round’ of housing ministers (PIE)
Mortgage lenders and brokers have hit out at the ‘merry-go-round’ of housing ministers and the messy housing policy that has resulted.
Senior partner accepts fine for firm’s work on SDLT avoidance schemes (TC)
A senior partner whose firm’s involvement in stamp duty land tax avoidance schemes brought in £52,000 in fees – but cost the taxman at least £3m – has accepted a […]
Does updated CON29 show good form? (TC)
Following revision from the Law Society, the new CON29 forms were released on 4th July this year. The intention behind the changes was to improve the quality of information provided […]
The blame game – when are you responsible? (TC)
[tooltip text=”Tooltip Text”]When a transaction on the purchase of a property is obstructed in some regard, clients are often tempted to place the blame on their lawyer. After further investigation […]
Complaints against lawyers fall to their lowest level yet (LF)
The number of complaints against lawyers that reach the Legal Ombudsman has fallen to its lowest level since the organisation opened in 2010, its annual report has shown.
Purplebricks says it does not receive all of the referral fee disclosed on conveyancing (PIE)
Purplebricks has said that it does not receive all of the referral fee in online quotations.
Is conveyancing still ‘safe as houses’? (TC)
Conveyancing seemed to be the most favourable area of law to be involved in.
Tribunal starts hearing competition law action brought against Law Society (LF)
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has begun hearing a training provider’s claim that the Law Society acted anti-competitively by requiring law firms to buy its own training in order to maintain […]
LeO fee could almost double – or halve – under tiered payment plan (LSG)
The Legal Ombudsman is preparing to introduce a tiered case fee structure and extend the scheme to allow small businesses to complain.
Buyers’ changing minds account for majority of transaction failures (TC)
Despite mortgage rates falling to record lows, the ease of getting one has not improved – an issue which may mean transaction levels are being held back.
Solicitor ran up £529k client shortage then lied to cover his back (LSG)
A solicitor who raided the client account then told a string of lies to cover his tracks has been banned from the profession.