The leasehold sector has recently been in the spotlight again following a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation. The findings suggest that some buyers continue to be unclear as to the nature of their purchase and subsequent costs that they may incur. The CMA said some homeowners found themselves in “serious traps” after being misled…
Buying a property is a big commitment and there are many important decisions to be made throughout the process. One of them is how the property is going to be owned if there is to be more than one owner. Maybe you are buying a property with a loved one? If so, this is an…
In this article, Paul Stone a member of the Property Team explains some of the more common terms encountered in the world of Property When you decide to purchase or sell a property, it is common to encounter words and descriptions that seemingly appear to be in a different language. This may be seen…
Your offer has been accepted on your dream home, the solicitor has been instructed and you’ve already started scouring the internet for design inspiration and furniture ideas when, like a bolt out of the blue, your solicitor calls you to say the seller has had a better offer and they won’t be selling to you….
Need a more flexible solicitor? A solicitor that can accommodate you outside of 9-5, Monday – Friday? Our Luton office will be open on Saturday mornings from 10am-12pm for personal attendances or prearranged appointments so if you need to pop something in to us please feel free to come over. Our office is situated on…
There are many advantages to selling or buying at auction, though you must equally be aware of the pitfalls. Auction guide prices can be misleading as these are set to entice the bidder. However, you need to bear in mind the actual reserve will generally be 10% above the auction guide price. Bidding Clearly when…
In recent months there have been stories in the news in relation to Leasehold Properties which portrays them in a negative light, but how much of it is true? When it comes to property, usually houses are freehold, meaning the owner owns the property absolutely with very few restrictions in relation to how they…
Pictons Solicitors LLP located in Herts, Beds and Bucks has once again secured membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme – the mark of excellence for the home buying process. This is the 6th year in a row that Pictons has achieved CQS accreditation. Pictons underwent rigorous assessment by the Law Society in order…
Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDTL) Relief following the Autumn 2018 Budget. On Monday, 29th October, the Chancellor Phillip Hammond, announced changes to the current SDLT regime. The new measures will apply to individuals who fall within the “first-time buyers” category purchasing shared ownership homes valued up to £500,000. Who are “first time buyers”?…
Pictons Solicitors have promoted Pauline Carlin, who is based in the firm’s Tring office, to Partner. The promotion means the company’s team now comprises 45 staff, including six partners and three associates spread across offices in Luton, Milton Keynes and Tring. Pauline Carlin is a specialist Residential Property Solicitor with 10 years of experience advising on…