In 2012, the government declared war on ‘non natural persons’ buying high-value properties. “Zombies” as we have come to know them are, to all intents and purposes, overseas companies.

We attach an explanatory note following the publication of the UK consultation on the taxation of residential property.   While the proposed changes for the most part remain subject to consultation, it is highly likely that the pr...

Following the measures announced in the 2012 budget, The UK Government has now published further details of their proposals for the taxation of residential property transactions. With the publication of the Consultation Paper we now know that the proposed capital gains and annual tax will apply only to residential properties worth more than £2 million. These changes will come into effect in April 2013. This article explains more and suggests your next steps.

Welcome to the first newsletter from Collas Crill's Property team. In this launch edition, our experts highlight the many opportunities that 2012 has to offer, following a year of tough economic times for both the UK and Jersey property ma...

The use of overseas companies to buy residential property has today been targeted by the UK Treasury, as Chancellor George Osborne has announced new stamp duty land tax ("SDLT") thresholds of 7% for individuals and 15% for companies buying r...

Until recently, banks lending on property in England and Wales would also instruct the borrower's solicitor in all but high value transactions. Following a change in the conduct rules for solicitors at the end of 2011, a solicitor may only...

Until recently, banks lending on property in England and Wales would also instruct the borrower’s solicitor in all but high value transactions. Following a change in the conduct rules for solicitors at the end of 2011, a solicitor may only act for both the bank and the borrower in very limited circumstances.

The States of Guernsey are planning to change a legal loophole for property buyers. To keep you up to date with the proposed change the short update below describes the effect of the plans, which could come into effect on 1 January 2014. ...

The States of Guernsey are planning to change a legal loophole for property buyers. The States of Guernsey 2012 Budget Report contains a section advising of proposals to introduce legislation enabling the States to recover document duty at 3% on the transfer for value of any interest in any legal entity which owns, either directly or indirectly, real property in Guernsey. This article by Richard Ogier outlines the proposals and makes recommendations for exemptions.

In this latest edition of Collas Crill's UK Property Newsletter we look at some of the issues facing owners of property in the UK.   We attach an explanatory note explaining overreaching rights under a trust and pinpointing t...

New provisions relating to the registration of charges or mortgages created by overseas companies came into effect on 1 October 2011.

There is no defence of coming to the nuisance. Michael Morris examines cases where this has been an issue.

The recent case of Ruth Geary, who took the decision to slide down a particularly impressive banister in a manner similar to that of Mary Poppins, and the ensuing claim made by her against the owner of the building for the substantial injuries she suffered when she fell, acts as a useful reminder to all landowners to be aware of their liability to visitors

Prior to the introduction of the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (“TLATA”) there was no power for trustees to invest in land unless the trust deed expressly provided for the power to do so. Michael Morris and Richard Lloyd explain how this has all changed

Collas Crill's UK property service is a facility to assist with the undertake of property related transactions in England and Wales from the Channel Islands. We provide legal representation for all aspects of both freehold and leasehold residential and commercial property including sales, purchases, financing and landlord and tenant issues.