On 12 May 2025, the Law Society issued its much-awaited practice note, ‘Climate change and property’, which is a must-read for all property solicitors. This practice notes builds on its April 2023 climate change guidance. The practice note contains a helpful checklist summarising what solicitors should consider doing about climate risk in property transactions. It …
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HMLR has updated PG74 (searches of the index of proprietors’ names). This is an important search which enables the applicant to establish whether there are any registered titles against the name/s. It can be useful for PRs, for example, but cannot be used as a mere ‘fishing exercise’. Section 2 has been updated to remove …
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Note that many HMLR forms have been amended a result of a change to the postcode for HMLR’s PO Box address. Most applications will be made via the portal these days, but do not be caught out if it is necessary to use a form. Source the latest version from the HMLR website. Source: www.gov.uk.
HMLR has updated PG21 (using our forms for complex and more unusual transactions). Section 14.1 has been amended to reflect current HM Revenue & Customs practice on submitting online SDLT returns for multiple properties. Section 14.1 now reads: ‘14.1 Stamp Duty Land Tax In most cases where there are multiple properties, the Land Transaction Return …
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We have referred to the updated LSAG guidance, but an amendment to para 6.17.2.1 (source of funds) is of particular relevance to conveyancing practitioners and adds: ‘In circumstances where it becomes known that a third party is to contribute to funds for a transaction, you should consider also seeking to understand and obtain evidence relating …
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HMLR has been swift to update section 2.1 of PG40 (HMLR plans, supplement 4, boundary agreements and determined boundaries) following a recent CA case (reported in ‘land’ below). Section 2.1 now reads: ‘2.1 How boundary agreements work There is a rebuttable presumption that a boundary agreement does not involve the transfer of any land, and …
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Protecting a charging order is important and therefore any application to HMLR must be made promptly and correctly. An interim or final charging order that charges the legal estate may be protected by the entry of a notice in the register. A charging order that charges a beneficial interest under a trust of land cannot …
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PG19 (Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests) is a very important practice guide for property practitioners. The anti-fraud restriction (Form LL) is also important. HMLR has updated sections 3.1.5.8 and 3.7.2 of PG19 to clarify HMLR’s requirements for compliance with, or removal of, a Form LL or company counter-fraud restriction by an insolvency practitioner, …
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Response to Roger Sceats Thank you for posting your question on Ask the Editor Clearly any situation depends on the specific facts and communications sent to a person by a law firm, but in general terms, cases have held that solicitors can owe a duty of care to non clients and a potential implied retainer …
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