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Consumer Code for Homebuilders – updated

March 2024 | Conveyancing

Practitioners dealing with new-build properties should be aware of the content of the Consumer Code for Homebuilders. The Code is designed to help consumers know what level of service to expect from a developer and it provides a free dispute resolution scheme. Many of the main home warranty providers require developers to adhere to the …

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Procedure – CrimPR

March 2024 | Crime

Practitioners should be aware of, and prepare for, the amendments to the CrimPR which come into effect on 1 April 2024. The changes introduced by the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2024 relate to issues including (but not limited to): witness companions (independent domestic violence advisors and independent sexual violence advisors); rules about live links; correction …

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HMLR – PG56

March 2024 | Conveyancing

Rentcharges continue to vex conveyancers, so a recent update to PG56 should be noted. Section 2.5 has been updated to clarify that a note will be added to the register if evidence of registration at Companies House is not lodged with the application in accordance with rule 111 of the Land Registration Rules 2003 and …

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HMLR – PG19

March 2024 | Conveyancing

HMLR has made some important updates to PG19 (notices and restrictions). Section 3.1.5.6 has been amended to include guidance on compliance with company counter-fraud restrictions and now reads: ‘Where a restriction in Form LL or the company counter fraud restriction (see Companies) is entered in a register the certificate required to comply with the restriction …

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Testamentary capacity – dementia

March 2024 | Wills, probate and administration

T died in 2019, having purportedly made a will in 2015. He left a £5.4m estate and owned various properties in England and in France and Virginia, US. The 2015 will was executed at home without professional supervision. T’s children from his first marriage challenged the will and asked the court to propound an earlier …

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HMLR – form CNG

March 2024 | Conveyancing

Practitioners should be aware of form CNG: change of name (transgender and non-binary). The form should be used to update the name of the registered owner in the register of title when the change of name relates to a transgender or non-binary individual. HMLR has amended the form following a review of its practice in …

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SRA – MLRO guidance

March 2024 | Conduct

Practitioners should be reminded about the helpful guidance for new MLROs and MLCOs which the SRA published some time ago. It is the sort of content that could get lost in the daily grind of the roles. What is particularly helpful is the checklists for those in each role broken down into first day, first …

HMLR – ID forms

March 2024 | Conveyancing

Note that HMLR has made a few changes regarding the ID forms. Form ID4 (certificate of identity for a body corporate where the certifier is a non-conveyancer) has been withdrawn. It has also reduced the list of non-conveyancers permitted to certify Form ID3 (certificate of identity for a private individual) and withdrawn their ability to …

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HMLR – PG63

March 2024 | Conveyancing

HMLR has updated PG63 (the land charges registers and agricultural credits register). These are niche areas – so it is important to stay on top of updates. This guide has been updated to reflect the withdrawal of the fax service previously available; to clarify HMLR practice on certain points, particularly on the cancellation of land …

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Companies House – fee changes

March 2024 | Commercial

Companies House has announced its fee changes that will come into effect on 1 May 2024. The increases cover a wide range of services, including company registration, so practitioners should check, but some of the most notable are: Digital Company incorporation and registration fees Transaction Channel New fee Incorporation Digital £50 Incorporation (same day) Software …

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