The Building Regulations 2000, and the many subsequent revisions, set out what work to a building does and does not need to comply with building regulations. Extensions, internal structural alterations or works to the foundations of a building need to be signed of by the local authority’s build control officer. The local authority can sign of any work for the purposes of building regulations however there are now a number of independent regulatory bodies whose members are able to certify their own work.
Who Can Certify That Works Comply With Building Regulations?
August 22nd, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Home Improvements | Comments Off on Who Can Certify That Works Comply With Building Regulations?
Landlords Seek Greater Power Regarding Eviction
August 17th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Insurance, Landlords, Property Market | Comments Off on Landlords Seek Greater Power Regarding Eviction
There has been a lot of hubbub in the news lately surrounding the argument about whether social landlords are going to be given the power to evict troublesome tenants that caused mayhem during the riots last week. Ministers have revealed that they would back the decision for councils to evict tenants that were involved in causing wanton destruction on our streets. The general consensus of the public also seems to be that social landlords should be given powers to boot out unwanted, violent tenants.
Commonhold Property Ownership Explained
August 11th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Land Registry, Property Conveyancing, Property Market | 1 Comment »
Commonhold is a new type of property ownership. It was created by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (CLRA 2002) as a possible alternative to leasehold title. The CLRA 2002, together with the Commonhold Regulations 2004, came into force on 27 September 2004.
What is the meaning of Flying Freehold?
August 3rd, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Land Registry, Property Conveyancing | Comments Off on What is the meaning of Flying Freehold?
Some of the terminology used in conveyancing can be confusing and difficult to interpret. Conveyancers sometimes get so used to the legal jargon that they will use it when speaking to clients, forgetting that they cannot be expected to understand.
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Five Fittings That Will Add Value to Your Property
July 25th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Home Improvements, Insurance | Comments Off on Five Fittings That Will Add Value to Your Property
Whether you’re selling up or staying put, it is important to be aware of factors that will increase and decrease the value of your property. The renovation process involves careful financial planning to ensure that the return on investment will push up your property’s price, while avoiding the risk of half finished projects and poor workmanship.
Checking if a Property is at Risk from Flooding
July 20th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Insurance, Property Conveyancing | 3 Comments »
Flooding is now a major problem for many parts of the UK, and as our climate changes, the problem is growing. As well as putting lives in danger, a flood can destroy homes and property in no time at all. If a property is found to be in an area at risk from flooding this can have a seriously negative effect on its value and increase insurance premiums.
Confusion clouds landscape for consumers legal services
July 18th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Legal | Comments Off on Confusion clouds landscape for consumers legal services
The confused system of regulation for legal services risks leaving consumers without protection when things go wrong, the new Legal Ombudsman warns today. Against a backdrop of a rapidly changing legal landscape, there are particular difficulties in areas such as claims management and will-writing companies, he says.
Property Ladders can be tricky to scale
July 15th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Insurance, Landlords, Property Market | 2 Comments »
With the recession still in full swing many people are struggling to get onto the property ladder. People across the UK have found that they simply cannot afford to invest in the property market at the moment, yet, of course, they still need somewhere to live. So what is the answer? Simple, more and more people are choosing to rent properties instead of buying.
Guide to Equity Release Schemes
July 7th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Financial Products, Property Market | Comments Off on Guide to Equity Release Schemes
Equity release schemes are a way for home owners to raise capital against the security of their homes without having to make any capital or interest repayments during their lifetime. Initially these schemes may seem too good to be true however as with any type of mortgage there are pros and cons.
What Can I Do About My Neighbour’s Nuisance Tree?
June 29th, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Land Registry, Legal, Local Authority Searches | 2 Comments »
Trees can be wonderful though they can also be a terrible nuisance in gardens, particularly small gardens and particularly if they are allowed to grow too large. If your enjoyment of your property is adversely affected by a tree belonging to a neighbour, is there anything you can do?
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Remortgaging my property – a quick guide
June 22nd, 2011 HIP-Consultant.co.uk Posted in Financial Products, Mortgages | 1 Comment »
Remortgaging your property is a big decision, but make the right move and you’ll be glad you put the time and effort into it.
Why remortgage?
Well, if you’re coming to the end of your current mortgage deal, you’ll have to make a decision between finding a brand new mortgage and reverting to your lender’s SVR (Standard Variable Rate) deal.