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Profession Category: Residential Property

Are you really a first time buyer?

Posted on by Britt Thompson

Before claiming First-Time Buyer Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief, it’s important to be certain that you meet HMRC’s definition of a first-time buyer.

A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a major interest in a residential property in the UK or anywhere else in the world, and who intends to live in the property as their main residence.

If you are buying with someone else, every buyer must meet these conditions. You will not qualify for relief if:

  • You’re married and your spouse has previously owned property, this applies even if you personally haven’t owned any property. HMRC treats married couples as one unit for SDLT purposes.
  • You’ve previously been gifted or inherited a property, whether or not you lived in it.
  • You currently own or have ever owned a residential property overseas.

What’s changing?

From 1 April 2025, the following thresholds will apply:

  • No SDLT is payable on the first £300,000 of the purchase price.
  • First-time buyer relief applies only to properties up to £500,000.
  • If the purchase price exceeds £500,000, no relief is available – SDLT will be calculated at the standard residential rates.

Buying an additional property?

Please note: First-time buyer relief is not available for commercial or mixed-use properties (for example, a shop with a flat above it).

If you already own (or part-own) another residential property in the UK or abroad, you may be liable for the Additional Property Surcharge, even if the property you’re buying will be your main home.

This surcharge applies when:

  • The new property is worth more than £40,000;
  • You have not sold or gifted your previous main residence;
  • You are married or in a civil partnership and your spouse/partner owns another property;
  • You are buying with someone else who owns another property;
  • The purchase is being made through a trust.

Exemptions from the surcharge may apply, for example:

  • If you are replacing your main residence and have already sold or gifted your previous home;

If the property is:

  • Worth less than £40,000;
  • Non-residential or mixed-use;
  • A caravan, houseboat or mobile home;
  • A leasehold of 7 years or less, or where someone else holds the lease and it has more than 21 years left.

Non-UK residents

If you are not a UK resident at the time of your purchase, an additional 2% surcharge may apply, regardless of whether you are a first-time buyer or not.

As conveyancers, we rely on the information you provide when calculating Stamp Duty. Ultimately, the responsibility for confirming your tax position lies with you. We strongly recommend that you seek advice from a qualified tax specialist before completion to ensure you pay the correct amount.

For further details, visit:

For any further information or guidance, please contact Helen Rodwell, Associate in the Residential Property team on 01494 478627 or email helen.rodwell@blasermills.co.uk.

Buying a property in 2025? Here’s how stamp duty has changed

Posted on by Britt Thompson

As of 1st April 2025, the Government increased Stamp Duty Land Tax thresholds which will impact those purchasing properties and land in England.

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax payable to HMRC when purchasing a property or land in England or Northern Ireland. The amount of SDLT payable is dependant upon the purchase price of the property and the buyer’s circumstances. For example, is the buyer a first-time buyer, purchasing an additional residence or a non-UK resident.

Property valueStamp Duty Land Tax %
Up to £125,0000%
£125,001 to £250,0002%
£250,001 to £925,0005%
£925,001 to £1.5 million10%
Above £1.5 million12%

First-time buyers

he SDLT changes are likely to impact first-time buyers the most. The nil-rate threshold for first-time buyers has decreased from £425,000 to £300,000, and the cap on qualifying properties has been lowered to £500,000. SDLT will be payable at 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000.

If the property is over £500,000 then no relief is allowed and the SDLT will be the same as those who have bought a property before.

Additional property purchases

Buyers purchasing additional properties will continue to pay a 3% surcharge on top of the
standard SDLT rates.

Rates for non-UK residents

If you are a non-UK resident and wish to purchase a property in England or Northern Ireland, you will be liable to pay an additional 2% surcharge on top of the standard SDLT rates. Purchasing a property is known to be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Understanding the new stamp duty thresholds, will ensure you do not encounter any financial surprises as the transaction progresses.

At Blaser Mills, we provide our clients with guidance and support to ensure your property transaction is as stress-free as possible.

For any further information or guidance, please contact Shannon Terry, Senior Associate in the Residential Property team on 01494 781368 or email shannon.terry@blasermills.co.uk.

Emilia Govier

Emilia is a Paralegal in our Residential Property team.

Sophie Irvine

Sophie is a Paralegal in our Residential Property department.

Joanne Edwards

Joanne is a Licensed Conveyancer in our Residential Property department.

Rosina Hough

Ros is an Associate in our Residential Property Team.

She has experience dealing with the sale and purchase of both freehold and leasehold properties, lease extensions, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, buy-to-let transactions, first registrations, probate sales and retirement properties.

Ros acts for a wide range of clients from first time buyers, property developers and high net worth clients. She particularly enjoys developing good relationships with her clients and supporting them throughout their transaction.

Lauren Edwards

Lauren is a paralegal in the Residential Property team and assists Helen Rodwell in all aspects of residential property, including Freehold, Leasehold and Unregistered land.

Lauren completed her undergraduate Law degree in 2019 and has furthered her education by completing the LPC LLM in 2021.

Property team wins two customer service awards

Posted on by Britt Thompson

We are delighted to announce that our Residential Property team has won multiple awards at The ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2024.

The awards recognise the conveyancers, agents and brokers for customer service based on ratings from clients who have been through the whole moving experience.

The team have won the following awards:
Silver – Southern
Bronze – Southern

Jane Hannaway, Partner & Head of Residential Property commented: “We are delighted recognised continuously with the ESTAS. Exceptional customer service is very important to us, and we have always been very proud of the service provided by our team. The awards prove we are delivering what we promise.”

Congratulations to all of those involved and all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

Retirement homes

Buying a home to retire in is a big commitment and it is important to us that you make the right choice of home for this stage of your lives. We want your time at your new home to be relaxing, with well-run and properly maintained amenities. A big part of this is ensuring that the conveyancing process is as stress-free as possible.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk, you can also fill in our contact form.

Clear advice and recommendations

When we act on your behalf to buy a retirement home you can be sure that you’ll be closely supported throughout the transaction. We’ll liaise with the retirement complex manager as well as the seller’s estate agent to minimise their need to contact you directly.

Throughout we will aim to take away the pressure and we’ll always be available to talk you through each stage of the transaction and answer any questions you may have. To make the process as simple to manage as possible, our online portal allows you to access documents and check our progress for any internet-connected device. Just talk to a member of our team about you walking you through how to use it.

What is different about buying a retirement home?

The purchase of a retirement property is more onerous than buying a normal residential house. This is because it may often, but not always, form part of a complex or even a retirement village with services and other amenities included, and the paperwork will cover all the rights and responsibilities that affect the buyer, such as the need to pay management or service charges and strict regulations about use.

We have wide experience of acting for clients who are buying retirement homes and we know exactly what to look out for. We know that the sheer volume of documentation can be overwhelming, and we take great care to explain all aspects of the purchase as we move through the conveyancing process.

Choosing your retirement home

When you are deciding on a property for this phase of your life, there are several things to consider.

Firstly, you should make sure that the location offers everything that you might need for the future, such as public transport, healthcare services, nearby shops, cafés and a library. If you can, have a chat with the current residents of the complex or village to see if they are happy there. You should also try and ascertain whether properties are being resold easily or whether residents who want to leave are struggling to find buyers. The retirement property market is not huge, and some areas are oversaturated, meaning residents cannot sell and are stuck in flats they no longer want, paying substantial monthly management charges.

You will also need to look into whether any facilities are offered onsite. This may not be the case for the property you intend to purchase. Some retirement complexes offer extensive services, such as swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and various social activities. You should consider whether this is something you want, bearing in mind that you will need to pay towards these facilities by way of your monthly service charge.

We’ll let you know the amount that will be payable in maintenance and service charges. This could be amount to hundreds of pounds each month, so you should make sure that you’ll be happy paying this into the future. We’ll also advise you as to whether these charges will continue to accrue after you have left the property and before it is sold.

Our conveyancing services for retirement home purchases

We understand the complexities of the retirement home buying system and will explain them clearly to you. We also ensure that we carry out all necessary investigations into the property. This includes far more information than with a normal property purchase as we will look into details such as whether the management company is the member of a recognised professional body and whether the terms of the lease are acceptable or onerous in any way.

We will advise you on the amount of any event fees that you will have to pay. Also known as exit or transfer fees, this is a charge made by the management company if you sell the property or sublet it. The fee is often a percentage of the sale price or market value of the property, so it can be a substantial sum.

We also make sure that any ground rent provisions are fair and that the lease does not allow the management company to put the cost of this up exponentially in the future.

Often the details are not particularly clear at first glance, so we always make sure that they are clearly identified and explained to you so that you can be sure that you are happy with your purchase.

Selling a retirement home

The retirement homes company may require you to sell the property through them and charge a fee for this, on top of the exit fee. This may also limit your exposure to the open market. We’ll let you know if this is the case so that you can consider whether it is something you can agree to.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk, you can also fill in our contact form.

Sarah Corsby

Sarah is a Senior Conveyancer in the Residential Property team.

Sarah has over 20 years experience handling a mixed caseload of both leasehold and freehold property transactions including unregistered title. Sarah has acted for many long term clients as well as first time buyers.

Sarah enjoys title reconstitution and possessory title applications.

Understanding unregistered land titles

Posted on by fluroltd

Unregistered title, although not as common as it used to be, is common in many parts of the UK and makes up approximately 15% of land in England and Wales. Compulsory registration was gradually phased in by virtue of the Land Registration Act 1925 and became compulsory for any transfer of land or property by 1990.

This means for those who purchased their property before compulsory registration, their title deeds may still be unregistered. The safe keeping of title deeds is always one of concern as if they become lost or mislaid it can be incredibly difficult, time consuming and costly to try to reconstitute the title.

The purpose of registration follows three basic principles:

  1. The insurance principle refers to the guarantee secured by the State that any loss incurred by a registered land resulting from reliance on the conclusiveness of the Land Registry by a land purchaser will be compensated through a statutory indemnity system.
  2. The curtain principle, on the other hand, is the concept that land registration may allow certain equitable interests attached to the land hidden from a purchaser’s view. This ‘curtain,’ however, does not affect the validity of any transaction on the registered land so long as the details of the registration reflects the validity of the title.
  3. The mirror principle. The mirror principle refers to the idea that the due registration of a land title must reflect all the important and significant details that a purchaser must know before buying the land. These details refer to the identity of the owner, the nature of his ownership, any limitations on his ownership and any rights enjoyed by other persons over the land that are adverse to the owner.

The electronic register keeps a record of owners of property and land together with the interest of any mortgage lenders and which can be downloaded at the ‘touch of a button’. This means subject to completing satisfactory identity checks, a seller can instruct any solicitor who can readily download their title documents from His Majesty’s Land Registry (HMLR) in preparation for a sale/transfer.

Once a property is registered you can sign up to Land Registry alerts so that you are notified if there is significant activity on your property. The alerts can help prevent property fraud.

Unregistered deeds used to be kept in safe storage by the mortgage lender as security for their loan during its lifetime. Once the mortgage was repaid in full, the lender would ordinarily release the deeds to their client.

Keeping unregistered title deeds carries the risk of loss or destruction. Once unregistered deeds are gone, they cannot simply be replaced. Reconstruction results in extensive work being carried out. The identity of the true owner and the history of how the deeds came to be lost needs to be established and evidenced to HMLR in order for them to consider an application to reconstitute the title and which may or may not be successful.

The decision whether to voluntarily register your title deeds is something to be carefully considered. HMLR offer a reduced fee to process a voluntary registration in an effort to encourage people to do so.

If you have unregistered deeds and are contemplating registering them, we would strongly recommend that you do so and would be very happy if you would like to give us a call so that we can assist you.

Speak to Sarah Corsby from our Residential Property team today on 01494 781357 or email sarah.corsby@blasermills.co.uk.

Residential sales and purchases

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but at Blaser Mills, we make the process quick and easy. We keep you informed every step of the way and are always available to help. Our exceptional service is why so many clients recommend us to friends and family.

We ensure that you are always kept up-to-date with the progress of your transaction and that you understand the next steps. We are always available to speak to you and our excellent service is why so many of our clients recommend us to their friends and family.

For all residential property matters call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Communication, advice and clear explanations

We keep clients informed throughout the sale or purchase process. Our online portal provides 24/7 access to key documents, ensuring constant oversight and minimising surprises. We’re always available to discuss your case and answer any questions.

Securing the property you want often depends on being able to complete the legal work in time to meet deadlines. We make it a priority to respond quickly to all correspondence and make sure you understand what is needed from you.

We work proactively throughout your sale or purchase to give you the best chance of an early completion.

Ensuring your property purchase is legally sound

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving, we ensure you have the full picture and a sound investment. Our conveyancing team gets involved as soon as your offer is accepted, contacting the seller’s solicitor to request the initial documents.

As well as giving our details to your estate agent, you should also let any mortgage lender know that we will be acting on your behalf. They will then be able to send your mortgage offer to us as soon as it is available.

Once we receive the initial paperwork from the sellers’ solicitors, we will carry out the relevant property searches. At that stage we also go through the legal title to the property and raise enquiries.

We provide regular updates throughout the conveyancing process, giving information in manageable steps. This allows you to address any issues as they arise and make informed decisions on how to proceed.

When you are ready to exchange contracts, we work with you and the other parties in the chain to agree on a completion date. We ensure you know exactly how the residential property transaction will take place.

Ensuring a smooth residential property sale

You can instruct us as soon as you decide to sell. We’ll start preparing paperwork, obtain your title deeds, and draft the contract, ready to send once you accept an offer. We’ll keep you updated, handle inquiries from the buyer’s side, and work with the estate agent and buyer’s solicitor to agree on a completion date. After completion, we’ll discharge your mortgage, pay estate agent fees, and register your purchase with the Land Registry.

Mortgage and re-mortgage

If you are obtaining a mortgage to fund your house purchase, we will liaise with your mortgage broker or lender, check through your mortgage offer as soon as we receive it and make sure that you understand its terms and conditions. We will report to your lender as soon as we have all the necessary property information from your sellers’ solicitors and ensure that we have ordered your mortgage funds in plenty of time for completion.

We can also act on your behalf if you are re-mortgaging a residential property, by processing the new mortgage and redeeming the old one.

High-net-worth conveyancing

The specialists in our residential property and conveyancing team will act as a dedicated partner for your property transactions. Our tailored service always starts with your exact needs and financial goals, as well as the specifics of your property. Whether this is your first high-value property purchase, or you are expanding your portfolio, we will guide you through the process and work within your timescales and transaction terms.

We have a wide range of experience when it comes to high-value property transactions, and we can make sure that you don’t run into any unnecessary delays and any unexpected issues are resolved quickly.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

For all residential property matters call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Lease extensions

When the length remaining on the lease of a house or flat falls below a certain number of years, it can impact the value of the property. We act on behalf of clients who own leasehold properties to extend the length of their lease and protect the value of their asset.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Advice and representation

Leasehold properties can be confusing, but it’s crucial not to let your lease drop too far. If you have a short lease, we’ll clearly explain your options and guide you through the process. With extensive leasehold property experience, we’ll discuss the best course of action and remain available to answer any questions. Our online portal also provides 24/7 access to key documents and updates. We’ll work hard to secure your lease extension or a share of the freehold.

Protecting the value of your home

If a house or flat has a lease with less than 80 years remaining, the value of the property can be adversely affected. Mortgage lenders’ rules mean that most will not lend money where the remaining term on the lease is below 70 years and, generally speaking, they insist on a lease that extends at least 30-40 years after the term of the mortgage.

A short lease means that no-one needing a mortgage will be able to buy the property and this will affect its value and saleability. If the term remaining on a lease falls below 80 years, it will cost considerably more to extend it. We can help you address this problem as soon as it arises by arranging an extension to the lease.

Extending a lease

Once you have owned a leasehold property for two years, you are entitled to a 90-year extension of the lease of a flat or a 50-year extension to the lease of a house.

In addition to extending the lease, if you and other leaseholders in a block of flats agree, you also have the right to buy the freehold of the building.

Also known as leasehold enfranchisement, the process of extending a lease and/or buying the freehold can be lengthy and complicated, but it is necessary to address the situation in order to protect the value of your investment. At Blaser Mills Law we are experienced in dealing with both lease extensions and freehold purchases, as well as related matters such as setting up a management company and transferring the freehold to it.

Our clients appreciate the clarity we bring to difficult leasehold issues. We explain the process clearly and are always available to speak to you to answer any questions you may have. We ensure that you are kept up to date with progress throughout.

The process of extending a lease or buying a freehold can take a considerable amount of time, particularly as a landlord may not be in any hurry to deal with the matter. We always work proactively to ensure that the transaction is dealt with without delay.

The lease extension procedure

It may be possible to negotiate informally with your landlord to reach an agreement on the cost of extending and the amount of years they are prepared to add to extend your lease. Otherwise, it can be extended by following the statutory route for lease extension.

This requires a notice to be served on the landlord making a formal offer. This should be based on a valuation of the lease and be a realistic sum. You will also be required to pay the landlord’s reasonable costs for any legal work or valuation.

If your lease is approaching the 80-year mark, you should consider extending it as a matter of urgency as once less than 80 years are left on the lease an additional payment, known as marriage value, is payable to the landlord. We can advise you on the potential costs of extending a lease and buying the freehold, then register your ownership at the Land Registry.

Owning a leasehold property

Leasehold property ownership involves far more considerations than freeholder ownership. There are a number of potentially expensive pitfalls, such as onerous ground rent provisions, which can make a property very difficult to sell. At Blaser Mills Law, we ensure that our clients understand the extent of their leasehold liabilities to make sure that any investment in property is sound.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, in order to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Investment property

We also act for those buying second homes or holiday properties. We are on hand to advise throughout your property ownership and provide ongoing legal help, to include the drafting of rental agreements and leases and to give advice in respect of tenancies.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Expert and insightful commercial advice

Whether you are buying your first buy-to-let property, or you already have a substantial portfolio, our expertise allows us to work proactively to ensure that any deadlines are met and that your purchase proceeds smoothly.

We’ll represent you throughout any sale or purchase, keeping you updated and ensuring that you have all the information you need to make your investment decisions. We’ll report to you regularly, so that you don’t have to wait for details about any property you are buying, and we’ll make sure that we are available to answer any questions you may have. Our online conveyancing portal allows you to access documents and monitor progress from wherever you are, ensuring you never feel out of the loop.

Investing in buy-to-let property

Many people are turning to property as a solid investment for the future. We’ll help you navigate your legal and financial obligations to ensure your purchase not only goes smoothly but that it is a sound investment.

As well as the standard property purchase procedure, which is set out in more detail here, buying an investment property involves additional legal considerations.

We ensure that your buy-to-let property can be used in the way that you wish, for instance, that an investment flat can be rented out or a house can be used as a bed and breakfast establishment.

If you are obtaining buy-to-let finance, your lender will have many conditions and requirements which they will need you to comply with. As your legal adviser, we will be able to go through every detail and sign them off as needed.

Regarding leasehold property, we will carefully check your lease to ensure that you have the appropriate rights and advise you of any notices that will need to be served if you rent the property out. We are also able to deal with lease renewals or extensions.

Support after completing an investment property purchase

Our role as legal adviser often continues after a purchase is completed. We draw up documents such as tenancy agreements and we can advise on Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax implications, which should always be considered when investing in property.

We also act on behalf of developers who buy property to convert into flats. We advise on matters of planning and environmental law and ensure that all the legal permissions are in place to allow the development to go ahead without hindrance or objection.

Our commercial property lawyers are experts in landlord and tenant law and can ensure that an investment property portfolio is problem-free and properly structured.

We deal with sales of investment property, and we work proactively so that these are completed quickly and without hitch to enable you to move invested funds as needed.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Help to buy

If you are purchasing a new build property with the aid of the government help to buy scheme, please read the following guide and supply the documentation requested in this checklist.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Help to buy process

At any early stage, you must liaise with your mortgage broker with the Help to Buy process. They will complete various documents as well as the main application. You will need to provide your reservation form and a completed PIF (a special HTB form) to submit your application and this should be submitted as soon as possible.

Help to Buy will issue as Authority to Proceed: confirmation that the Developer has allocated funding available and that you have qualified to be accepted for the Help to Buy scheme.

The legal formalities in your transaction will usually begin and (if not already done so) the developers’ solicitors will provide us with the plot contract documentation to enable us to report to you and detail the next steps for you to take as we work towards exchange.

We must also be in receipt of your mortgage offer. This is something your broker / financial advisor will be dealing with on your behalf, and you should liaise with them to ensure this is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Once we are in receipt of the Authority to Proceed, the documents below and the mortgage offer (as well as completing the other legal formalities), we will then need to apply for the Authority to Exchange to allow us to proceed to exchange. This can take several days to obtain and is necessary to commit you to exchange of contracts.

Help to Buy are exacting in their standards and requirements. Even the most minor errors in the Authority to Proceed (for example, spelling errors in your details or the property address which must exactly reflect the reservation form) could cause delays later as this may need to be reissued. It is important you provide your broker/financial advisor with accurate information and check the Authority to Proceed carefully.

With this in mind, we ask that you supply us with additional documentation so that we can comply with the Help to Buy Requirements.

Checklist

Certified copies of your identification

  1. Certified copy of your valid full passport; or a valid HM Forces identity card with signatory’s photograph; or a valid UK photo-card drivers licence AND
  2. A utility bill in your name no less than three months old.

You have various options in relation to the certified copy of your documents;

  1. Attend a Blaser Mills Law office at a mutually convenient time (and by appointment only). We charge £35 plus VAT per person for this service.
  2. Attend at a local firm of solicitors to you and have your ID certified. Please note there may be a charge for this service.

Unfortunately, this is an additional step required by Help to Buy, and we cannot rely upon your Credas checks carried out as part of the firm’s AML policies and procedures. Help to Buy are very strict with their requirements.

Source of Funds

We will need to supply certified copies of the documents which make up the source of the funds required for your purchase. Help to Buy ask for this. We refer you to our source of funds questionnaire for further information. Help to Buy will be looking for bank statements showing the funds being available from the relevant source, wherever possible. If you are unsure as to what to provide here, please contact a member of the team to discuss in the first instance. Please ensure that the documents supplied are certified. This can be done as above.

First Time Buyers Declaration

At the same time as the Authority to Proceed is issued, Help to Buy will produce a First Time Buyers Declaration for you each to sign and return. This will be sent to you by us and should be signed and returned as quickly as possible. This declaration sets out and confirms your eligibility for the Help to Buy scheme.

Mortgage Valuation

Please ensure that you send us a copy of your mortgage valuation as soon as it is available so that we can supply the same to Help to Buy. Blaser Mills Law are legal experts and have a dedicated New Homes Team who can guide you through this daunting process. There is a great deal of paperwork that you will be asked to read and sign. We can assist you with any queries or concerns that you may have.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Buying a new build property

Buying a new build home involves considerably more paperwork than buying a second-hand property. In addition, there is usually pressure from the builder or developer to meet tight timescales.

Our team routinely acts for buyers of new build properties, and we ensure that deadlines are met and all of the extra title documentation is carefully checked.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Service that goes the extra mile

We have extensive experience in acting for clients who are purchasing a new build and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process as well as liaising with your estate agent in any related sale and the developer’s solicitor and site office.

We work hard to develop a good relationship with everyone involved in the transaction to give you the best chance of completing your purchase.

We’ll explain the paperwork to you as the purchase progresses, giving you regular reports and updates. We’re always available to speak to you to go through any queries you may have and ensure that you understand everything clearly. Our online portal also means that you can check important documents and view progress 24/7 from any device, ensuring that you are always fully informed.

We’ll also make sure you have a full list of the legal fees involved, to include Stamp Duty Land Tax, search fees and the Land Registry’s fee for registering the property into your name.

Buying a new build home

Purchasing a new build home can be even more stressful than a normal house purchase because of the extra pressure from the site sales office to exchange contracts quickly, often within 28 days of the contract papers being sent to your solicitor. The developer will usually take a reservation fee from you and if you fail to meet their deadline, you may forfeit the fee and lose the property.

We work proactively with you to ensure everything possible is done to exchange contracts quickly, tying in any related sale at the same time. Our experience means that we have an intimate understanding of the process, and we know exactly what paperwork you should receive and what rights and responsibilities it should contain.

We will update you regularly during the pre-contract process, sharing documentation with you as it becomes available and explaining it clearly. We keep things simple, so you know exactly where we are and what needs to happen next. It’s important that you are involved throughout and that you have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and raise enquiries.

Checking the documentation on a new build purchase

When a new build home is part of a development, the contract documentation will include information about access rights, infrastructure agreements in respect of roads and sewers, detailed planning consents, building regulations approvals and a contract that is likely to include many restrictive covenants, detailing what you may not do at the property.

We are used to dealing with the substantial amount of information provided by builders and developers and we can check that the essential conditions are included and that all of the necessary planning permission, infrastructure agreements and maintenance provisions are in place and satisfactory.

We will go through the contract conditions with you and explain exactly what you are signing. This is likely to include a retention, a sum of money held back until the builder has dealt with any repairs, known as snagging issues, that you may discover are necessary after you move into the property.

Completing a new build purchase

Completion of a new build will be on notice if the property has not yet been finished. This means that you will not be given a fixed completion date on exchange of contracts. Instead, the developer will give you 28 days’ notice of completion.

If you have a sale that you are tying in with the purchase, we will ensure that your contract for sale has similar terms, so that your buyers are required to complete on the same day.

Should completion take several months, we will keep an eye on your mortgage offer and remind you if you need to contact your mortgage lender to renew. They are usually only valid for six months.

We will liaise with you and the builder over your snagging list, a detailed list of work you require to be done to the property after you move in. However good the builder is, there are usually several minor issues that need attending to. Once you are happy that everything has been made good, we will arrange for the release of any retained monies.

We pay Stamp Duty to HM Customs & Excise on your behalf, and we will register the property in your name at HM Land Registry.

Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme

We are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home-buying process. The rigorous assessment by the Law Society, to secure CQS status, marks us out as a team that consistently meets high standards in residential conveyancing processes and also delivers excellent customer service.

Contact us

We have wide experience in the field and understand the importance of working proactively to complete new build transactions as quickly as possible.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Residential property

Moving home is a significant milestone in life, but it can also be stressful, especially if the process is complex or involves a chain of transactions.

At Blaser Mills, our residential property team understands the importance of this moment. We’re committed to making the process as smooth and efficient as possible. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way with clear communication, ensuring you always know what’s happening.

For all residential property matters call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

About us

At Blaser Mills, our dedicated team of residential property lawyers have years of experience in dealing with property matters, handling both complex and high-value transactions.  We understand the conveyancing process can be notoriously lengthy, and our expertise lies in identifying and resolving problems to avoid unnecessary delays.

What sets us apart is our communication and commitment to building strong client relationships. Whether you’re a property buyer, seller, investor, or developer, we prioritise understanding your needs and goals. Many of our clients come to us through personal recommendations from friends, family and local estate agents reflecting our trusted reputation.

We act in matters including:

  • Residential sales & purchases
  • Lease extensions or leasehold enfranchisement
  • Retirement homes
  • Buying a new build property
  • Investment property

Our conveyancing solicitors are accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

How we will support you

No matter the value or complexity of your property transaction, we will guide you through each stage of the process, reporting to you on each stage along the way.

We understand that purchasing your first property can be particularly daunting.  If you’re a first-time buyer, we will take the time to explain the conveyancing process and address any questions you have.   

Buying a new-build home, a retirement apartment or a leasehold property involves substantially more paperwork than most other property purchases, in fact in some cases it can seem overwhelming. We are experienced in dealing with leasehold properties where a lease extension or leasehold enfranchisement is needed and for shared ownership and right to buy purchases.

You can also use our client portal to access documents and track progress of your transaction at your convenience. We’re here to make your property journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Contact us

To speak to one of an expert property solicitor, call Jane Hannaway on 01494 478665 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Helen Rodwell

Helen is an Associate in our Residential Property team with over 20 years of experience in law firms across the Thames Valley.

Since achieving qualification in 2009, she has specialised in residential property transactions, both freehold and leasehold acquisitions, transfers of equity, remortgages, and the complexities of unregistered property dealings, including sales, purchases, and first registrations.

Helen delivers a high-quality service, offering pragmatic and proactive support to her clients. She prioritises clear communication and keeps clients regularly updated throughout the process, aiming to minimize the stress often associated with property transactions.

Lisa Murphy

Lisa is the Onboarding Assistant in our Residential Property team.

Lisa supports all new clients using Blaser Mills for property transactions and manages the initial setting up of their files, ensuring that all relevant forms, information, ID checks and payment are completed to aid a smooth and swift progression of their file.

She is always on hand to guide clients through the portal and assist with any queries during this onboarding process, with a genuine love of property from her previous 10 years’ experience at an Estate Agents. Lisa takes pride in her organisation skills and attention to detail and enjoys nothing more than helping our clients.

Residential Property team shortlisted for ESTAS 2024 awards

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Our Residential Property team has been recognised for delivering outstanding customer service to its clients by making the shortlist for The ESTAS – the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

The ESTAS Awards celebrate the best, agents, conveyancers and mortgage brokers in the UK. The awards are powered by the ESTAS online customer review platform which enables property professionals to demonstrate the customer service standards they deliver for their clients

Our team has achieved the ESTAS ‘Standard of Excellence’ based on the service ratings they achieved via customer reviews submitted to the ESTAS review platform which is exclusively for real estate professionals, the reviews have been completed at the end of the moving experience.

Simon Brown, founder of ESTAS says “At ESTAS we’re creating a community of property professionals who all share a passion for delivering great service to their clients and a belief that excellent service should be the norm not the exception.”

Jane Hannaway, Partner and Head of Residential Property added: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Standard of Excellence award again in 2024. Our continuing commitment to delivering exceptional client services time after time is at the forefront, and we take great pride in upholding our reputation for providing top-quality legal advice.” 

The regional and national winners will be announced in October at the annual ESTAS ceremony held in London. 

Key things to consider when buying a retirement property

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As retirement approaches, many individuals find themselves contemplating a change in living arrangements. For some, this may involve downsizing to a more manageable property, relocating to a desirable location, or investing in a home that caters to their needs. However, if you are looking at purchasing a retirement property, it requires careful consideration to ensure that it aligns with both current lifestyle preferences and future requirements.

Kirsty Malcolmson, Conveyancing Executive in our New Homes team, outlines key things to consider when purchasing a retirement home.

Location, location, location
The choice of location is vital when purchasing a retirement property. It’s important to consider moving to a convenient location that is close to your healthcare providers, friends, family as well as good links to the local town centre and public transportation routes.

Some people also assess the suitability of the local area in terms of safety and various social opportunities. Whether your preference is a peaceful countryside or a city centre, the location should complement your lifestyle and preferences.

Property types
Retirement properties come in various forms, ranging from traditional houses to apartments, bungalows, or retirement villages. Evaluate the advantages and downsides of each, considering factors such as maintenance requirements, accessibility, and future mobility needs. Additionally, assess the size of the property to ensure it accommodates your living arrangements comfortably, whether you’re downsizing or seeking additional space for hobbies or guests.

Accessibility and adaptability
As mobility may become a concern with age, it’s crucial to prioritise accessibility features within the property. Look out for things such as step-free entrances, wider doorways, handrails, and wheelchair-friendly designs.

Financial considerations
Evaluate the financial implications of purchasing a retirement property, including the upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and potential resale value. Assess your budget carefully and consider factors such as taxes, maintenance fees, insurance, and any additional amenities or services offered by retirement communities. It’s recommended to work with a professional financial advice to ensure that the investment aligns with your long-term financial goals and retirement plans.

Staying social
Many retirees value the sense of community and access to lifestyle amenities offered by retirement properties or villages. Some retirement complexes offer extensive services, such as swimming pools, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and various social activities. Consider whether the available amenities cater to your interests and preferences, enhancing your overall quality of life during retirement.

How Blaser Mills can help
Buying a home to retire in is a big commitment and it is important to us that you make the right choice of home for this stage of your lives. We want your time at your new home to be relaxing, with well-run and properly maintained amenities. A big part of this is ensuring that the conveyancing process is as stress-free as possible.

Throughout we will aim to take away the pressure and we’ll always be available to talk you through each stage of the transaction and answer any questions you may have.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Kirsty on 01494 738062 or email klm@blasermills.co.uk.

James Ludlow

James is a Paralegal in our Residential Property team.

Residential Property team awarded best in postcode for customer service

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The Blaser Mills Residential Property team has been recognised for delivering outstanding customer service to its clients by winning a Best in Postcode Award from The ESTAS – the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

The award has been achieved via customer reviews submitted to the ESTAS review platform, which is exclusively for real estate professionals, the reviews have been completed at the end of the moving experience. ESTAS monitors and verifies service ratings over a 12-month period giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to customers.

Simon Brown, founder of ESTAS says “At ESTAS we’re creating a community of property lawyers who all share a passion for delivering great service to their clients and a belief that excellent service should be the norm not the exception.”

Jane Hannaway, Partner and Head of Residential Property commented “We are very pleased to receive the recognition, we take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice”.

To get in touch with our Residential Property team email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk.

Understanding lease extensions

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A high percentage of homeowners own a leasehold property. It is therefore important to understand what a lease extension entails. Extending your lease can seem like a daunting process due to the complexities involved. However, as your lease term decreases, the value of your property in turn decreases, making lease extensions essential if you wish to maintain or enhance the value of your property. If you are considering extending your lease, it is important to discuss your options with a legal advisor. At Blaser Mills, we aim to provide clear and comprehensive advice in plain English to ensure a seamless transaction.

If you are coming up to only having 80 years remaining on your lease, you should consider extending your lease. Once the term of years goes below 80 years, the premium payable for a lease extension will increase considerably. It is also highly likely you will face issues obtaining mortgage finance and selling your property. If you are considering selling your property with a lease term of 80 years, it is advisable to start the process of extending your lease now to avoid delays with your sale.

There are two ways in which your lease can be extended:

Statutory route:

You are legally entitled to extend your lease under the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, so long as you are classed as a “qualifying leaseholder”. To be classed as “qualifying leaseholder”, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have owned your property for 2 years or more
  • Your lease was originally granted for more than 21 years
  • Your property is not subject to conditions under freehold ownership by Crown or National Trust.

If you qualify under the Act, this allow your lease to be increased by 90 years and reduce your ground rent to a peppercorn (i.e. no ground rent would be payable).  The freeholder cannot refuse to extend your lease if you have owned your property for at least 2 years.

If you proceed via this route, the first step is to serve the freeholder with a S42 notice. A S42 notice is a formal notice from a leaseholder to a freeholder setting out the proposed terms of the new lease. Once this has been served, this begins the statutory lease extension process. The freeholder will then have 2 months to provide a counter-notice. The freeholder can either accept your offer or set out the terms acceptable to them You will be required to cover the freeholder’s legal fees as well as the valuation fees.

If the lease term drops below 80 years, marriage value also needs to be considered. The marriage value is the increase in the value of the property arising from the new lease. The Act states the marriage value must be shared equally between the leaseholder and freeholder. It is therefore in your best interests to begin the lease extension process before your lease term falls to 80 years to save additional costs.

If you are selling your property, you can begin the process of extending your lease and assign the benefit onto your buyer during the conveyancing process. This can save a lot of delays during the conveyancing process.

Advantages:

  • You are guaranteed an extension of 90 years.
  • You are guaranteed a reduction in ground rent to a peppercorn.
  • The terms are governed by the Act so you can therefore exclude any unreasonable terms.

Disadvantages:

  • The costs tend to be higher than the informal route.
  • Some leaseholders class the statutory time limits as being too generous.

Informal route:

If you have not owned your property for at least 2 years’, you can still extend your lease outside of the statutory process. Even if you have owned your property for at least 2 years’, you may still decide to proceed via the informal route.

You would be required to negotiate with the freeholder as to the terms of the lease extension however, there are no set timescales in place. A valuer should still be instructed to ensure the premium being paid is reasonable. Again, you will be expected to cover the freeholder’ legal fees as well as the valuers fees.

Advantages:

  • Some leaseholders prefer the informal route as they can extend the term past the 90 years permitted by the statutory route
  • The premium and legal fees can be less than proceeding via the statutory route.
  • If you own a share of the freehold, you can extend the term of years to as much as 999 years. In this situation, most leaseholders do not wish to charge each other a premium.

Disadvantages:

  • As the freeholder is not bound by the statutory time limits, they may not be proactive which could lead to delays.
  • Ground rent may not be reduced to a peppercorn. However, the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022, states that freeholders are no longer permitted to add new ground rent to informal leases extensions (granted after 30th June 2022).

Timescales:

Lease extensions can take anywhere from 3-12 months depending on the complexity of the matter and how prompt the parties involved are. Instructing experienced solicitors and valuers will help reduce the length of time taken to complete.

Changes to rules on lease extensions:

In January 2021, the Government outlined proposals to change the rules in relation to leasehold properties. The proposals would enable leases to be extended by 990 years, abolish marriage value and abolish ground rent for new leasehold properties. As these are only proposals, these rules are not currently in force.

If you would like to discuss your lease extension further, please contact Shannon Terry, Associate in the Residential Property team, who specialises in lease extensions.

Material Information – Streamlining the conveyancing process

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The earlier information can be provided in the selling process, the more certainty and control buyers and sellers will have making the conveyancing process simpler and quicker.

Guidelines have been issued to standardise Material Information provided in property listings and improve current practices.  This will allow sellers to potentially rectify any potential issues and buyers to make informed choices at the outset streamlining the conveyancing process.

The term Material information refers to any information about a property that could influence a buyer’s decision-making process. This includes information about the property’s condition, history, defects, or any other relevant details that could impact its value or desirability.

Estate agents and sellers are required to disclose Material Information about a property to potential buyers when the property is being marketed.  This helps promote transparency and fairness between buyers and sellers and reduces the risk of disputes or legal issues later in the process.

Current practices around disclosure are not consistent across the industry and standardising this essential information will help agents and sellers comply. 

The new guidelines issued by The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team have three categories:

Category A  

Information which is considered essential for all properties (announced February 2022):   

  • Council tax band or rate
  • Property price or rent
  • Tenure information (for sales)
  • Details of deposit payable (lettings)

Category B

Information that must be established for all properties:

  • Physical characteristics of the property – property type and construction
  • Number and types of room – including room measurements
  • Utilities – how they are supplied
  • Parking

Category C

Information that may or may not need to be established.

These details must be included if the property is affected by the issue:

  • Building safety, e.g., unsafe cladding, asbestos, risk of collapse
  • Restrictions, e.g. conservation area, listed building status, tree preservation order
  • Rights and easements, e.g. public rights of way, shared drives
  • Flood risk
  • Coastal erosion risk
  • Planning permission – for the property itself and its immediate locality
  • Accessibility/adaptations, e.g. step-free access, wet room, essential living accommodation on entrance level
  • Coalfield or mining area

The Conveyancer’s role

Working together with sellers, conveyancers can assist in compiling the presale information before the property is marketed.  This will guarantee a seller will have the benefit of appropriate legal advice when compiling the necessary Material Information to be included within property listing.  Conveyancers help protect the interests of the sellers whilst ensuring they meet their obligations.  Otherwise, instructing non-regulated firms specialising in sale packs and not obtaining suitable legal advice could expose sellers to potential liability.

Reviewing property documentation – A conveyancer thoroughly reviews property documentation including deeds and Law Society Property Information Forms helping sellers prepare accurate and complete information about the property.

Advising on disclosure obligations – Conveyancers canadvise sellers on what information must be disclosed under relevant laws and regulations, such as defects, disputes, or encumbrances affecting the property.

Identifying potential issues – Conveyancers can identify potential issues or concerns enabling them to deal with these proactively.  As well as expediting the process when a buyer is found, this will also assist in reduce the number of abortive transactions due issues which can be resolved such as outstanding building regulation approvals or restrictive covenant consents.

By actively engaging in the disclosure process and ensuring that all Material Information is properly addressed, conveyancers help protect the interests of both buyers and sellers and facilitate a smoother transaction.

For further information or advice please contact Samantha Bellia on sxb@blasermills.co.uk.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

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We celebrate Blaser Mills Law’s inclusive work culture and the achievements of our colleagues on International Women’s Day.

Celebrating women in the legal industry is an important recognition of their contribution towards the legal sector, as well as their achievements in overcoming historical barriers to the profession.

Only 100 years ago, women were not classified as ‘persons’ under the Solicitors Act 1843. We therefore pay tribute to the women lawyers who paved the way for future generations of women to enter the profession, including Carrie Morrison who was the first female solicitor to enter a fully male dominated sector in 1922. In 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act formally opened entry to the profession for women but this was 97 years after the Law Society was first established. However, progress has been made and we are pleased to note from statistics collated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority that the proportion of women in law firms has risen from 48% in 2015 to 53% in 2023.

We are proud that 74% of our employees are women, 50% of the Partners at Blaser Mills Law are women and more specifically within our Residential Conveyancing team, 90% of the team are women.

Our strong team of women lawyers positively contributes towards an equal and thriving working environment, whilst also promoting creativity and enhancing the firm’s ability to serve its client base more effectively in an ever-evolving and diverse society.

One of our women lawyers is Zara Liedl Carroll, a Senior Associate in the Residential Property department. Zara has always been a passionate advocate for women’s rights and equality and is a member of the Blaser Mills Law Inclusion Forum, an employee led group who help to influence the ongoing development of equity, diversity and inclusion at the firm.

Zara is also committed to providing pro-bono work, assisting fellow Solicitor Sabeena Pirooz at The Sky Project ( About Us – The Sky Project ), a small award-winning charity aimed at tackling the issues surrounding forced marriage and honour based abuse. She also makes time for her role of Conveyancing Regional Representative for the group Women in Residential Property (Meet our Regional Reps – Women in Residential Property) . The group seeks to connect, support, collaborate and share insight throughout the residential property industry.

Zara’s drive for these voluntary roles is fueled by a desire to help make a difference and also inspire young lawyers to become actively involved in pro bono work and action groups within our communities.

Zara commented: “Although there are limited hours in the day, I aim to make time for causes and initiatives which I feel strongly about. Blaser Mills Law has always been very supportive and encouraging of my voluntary work, which sends out a strong message about the firm’s values.”

Jane Hannaway, Partner and Head of the Residential Property department, encourages an inclusive work environment and actively supports the career progression of the women in Blaser Mills Law and the legal profession overall.

Jane commented: “Zara is a shining example of an advocate for inclusivity and empowering women within the workplace, the legal profession and the wider community every single day”.

Key differences between retirement and care homes

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Choosing the right living arrangement for yourself or a loved one in later years can be a significant decision, often marked by careful consideration of various options available. Among these options, retirement homes and care homes stand out as popular choices, each catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with individual circumstances and requirements.

Our Partner, Shabina Hussain, outlines the key differences.

Retirement homes
Retirement homes, also known as independent living communities, are designed for retirees who are relatively independent and do not require round-the-clock medical care or assistance with daily activities. These communities offer residents the opportunity to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of communal living. Typically, retirement homes provide amenities such as entertainment, social activities, dining options, and various supportive services like housekeeping and transportation.

Residents in retirement homes typically live in private apartments or bungalows within the community, retaining a sense of autonomy and privacy while also having access to on-site amenities and social opportunities. The focus of retirement homes is on promoting a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for seniors who value independence and community interaction.

Care homes
In contrast, care homes, also known as assisted living facilities or nursing homes, are intended for those who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or have complex medical needs that call for ongoing supervision and support. Care homes provide a higher level of care and assistance, including help with bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation, and mobility assistance.

Care homes employ trained staff members, including nurses and caregivers, who are available around the clock to attend to residents’ needs and provide medical assistance as required.

Key differences
The primary distinction between retirement homes and care homes lies in the level of care and support provided to residents. Retirement homes stress independence, autonomy, and a vibrant social environment, catering to those who are capable of managing their daily routines with minimal assistance. In contrast, care homes prioritise healthcare and assistance with activities of daily living, making them suitable for those individuals with more significant care needs or medical conditions requiring ongoing supervision.

How Blaser Mills Law can help
At Blaser Mills Law we have wide experience of acting for clients who are buying retirement homes and we know exactly what to look out for. We know that the sheer volume of documentation can be overwhelming, and we take great care to explain all aspects of the purchase as we move through the conveyancing process.

If a retirement home sounds like the best option for you please contact Shabina Hussain on 01494 788027 or email shh@blasermills.co.uk. 

Benefits of instructing a local conveyancer to handle your move

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We often find ourselves turning to the internet for various aspects of our daily lives, including tasks like banking, shopping, and ordering takeaways.  However, this might not be the best choice when it comes to property transactions which are a significant financial commitment for most individuals.

Many people assume that the conveyancing process is straightforward, this is far from the truth and difficulties can often arise as matters progress.  Challenges often surface as matters progress, and it is essential to have a skilled professional who can handle these situations, ensuring a smoother and less stressful experience for you.

Sam Bellia, Partner in the Residential Property team at Blaser Mills Law, outlines the key benefits of instructing a local solicitor as opposed to an online e-conveyancer.

  1. Local knowledge and expertise: A local solicitor will have personal knowledge of the area and will be aware of developments with specific issues.
  2. Face to face communication: You can book in a face-to-face meeting with your local solicitor at any point during the transaction.
  3. Witnessing documents: Many documents will need to be witnessed by someone independent and not related to you. These can be signed and witnessed at the office of a local law firm.
  4. Time sensitive matters: On some occasions, matters can become time sensitive which means you can visit your solicitor directly and hand over the hard copy of the documents rather than worry about postal arrangements.
  5. No hidden costs: Many local law firms pride themselves on transparency when it comes to costs. E-conveyancing firms are often known to add on hidden costs throughout the process.
  6. Reputation: Local law firms are usually recommended based on their reputation and expertise. The recommendations can come from the likes of estate agents, financial advisors or even friends and family.
  7. Local connections: A local law firm will have relationships with other professionals that can assist you with your property transaction, such as mortgage brokers and surveyors.
  8. A personal touch: E-conveyancing firms often handle a large volume of cases and lack personal contact with the client, often leaving you to deal with multiple agents. Using a local law firm, like Blaser Mills Law, means you will have a designated lawyer representing you and taking care of your requirements.
  9. Property transactions and beyond: Your local law firm will be able to service all your legal needs, becoming your go to legal partner throughout various stages of your life.

Why choose Balser Mills Law
Blaser Mills Law is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority meaning we are accountable.  We have also been awarded the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation by the Law Society which is a recognised quality standard regulated law firms dealing with residential conveyancing and is a symbol of certain standards of competence and client service levels being met. 

Get in touch
If you are thinking about moving home and are looking for a local, personal service to assist you with the legal aspect of the process, please get in touch with Sam on 01494 478609 or email sxb@blasermills.co.uk.

Fast Track Conveyancing Service

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We understand that selling a property can be stressful, there can be many obstacles that can arise throughout the conveyancing process, including the worry that your sale could fall through. Our expert Residential Property lawyers are here to provide a proactive and straightforward approach to the conveyancing process.

With our clients in mind, we have developed a Fast Track Conveyancing Service to maximise our clients’ chances of a successful sale, by starting the conveyancing process as soon as they put their property on the market.

What is the Fast Track Conveyancing Service?
Many sellers make the mistake of instructing a solicitor after they have accepted an offer on their property. This can often slow the conveyancing process down increasing the chances of someone in the chain changing their mind, causing the chain to collapse.

Instead, our Fast Track Conveyancing Service is available to clients as soon as they put their property on the market. By instructing us before you have a buyer in place, you can maximise the chances of a successful sale by speeding up the process and allowing for issues to be ironed out at the outset before they turn into potential problems and delays.

Our Fast Track Conveyancing Service enables us to trim weeks off the conveyancing process. Our experienced lawyers help you complete the Property Information Forms by making sure all the necessary supporting documents, like certificates and guarantees, are in order.

Ultimately, getting started on the conveyancing process as soon as your property is on the market, gives plenty of time to prepare and make sure that the initial documentation is comprehensive and readily available.  This allows us to issue contracts promptly when a Memorandum of Sale is received from your estate agent confirming that a buyer has been secured.  It will also reduce the amount of enquiries being raised by the buyer which will, in the long run, save you time and money.

Cost
No additional costs are paid for this service should you decide not to sell or to sell at a later date.  

If you are interested in selling your home and would like to discuss our Fast Track Conveyancing Service, then please contact Samantha Bellia, Residential Property Partner, at sxb@blasermills.co.uk or call us on 0203 814 2020.

*Please note this offer is only applicable with property sales and not purchases.*

Blaser Mills Law announces three partner promotions

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We are delighted to announce the promotions of Samantha Bellia, Victoria Harvey, and Tracy Jones to partnership in the firm.

Samantha Bellia is very well known throughout the region as a top residential conveyancing practitioner. Blaser Mills Law was delighted to recruit her in 2021 and her rapid rise to partnership is testament to the remarkable contribution that she has made to the firm since joining.Sam’s wealth of experience, dedication to client-care, and long-standing strong connections within the local property network enable her to ensure that the process of moving home is made as stress-free as possible.

Victoria Harvey joined Blaser Mills Law in 2017 from a major London firm. Recognised as a leading practitioner in medical negligence and personal injury law, Victoria has spent her career helping people who have suffered major injuries to rebuild their lives – securing tens of millions of pounds in damages for the victims of negligence. Victoria is not only a great lawyer but also has genuine empathy, enabling her to provide a great service while securing exceptional results for her clients.

Tracy Jones is a partner dedicated solely to Responsible Business (often also referred to as ESG or sustainability). To have a partner in this position is almost unique in law firms. Tracy joined Blaser Mills Law in 2017, following two decades of experience as a property lawyer. Having then embraced a new role in business development, she took on becoming a Responsible Business Director in 2021. As a Responsible Business Partner. Tracy leads the firm’s focus on inclusion, diversity, wellbeing, community and the environment. Tracy’s success in this role has played a huge part in shaping Blaser Mills Law’s culture and the firm’s standard-setting approach to these vital issues.

CEO Dave Matthews says: “This is a great trio of promotions. Sam and Vicki are true leaders in their respective fields, and the promotion of Tracy shows our genuine commitment and passion to becoming a truly
responsible business, prioritising the important values that companies should embrace at their core”.

Congratulations to all.

Blaser Mills Law wins multiple awards at The ESTAS

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We are delighted to announce that our Residential Property team has won multiple awards at The ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023.

The team have won the following awards:
Silver – Southern High Wycombe
Bronze – Southern Amersham
Best in postcode – HP6
Best in postcode – HP11

The awards, which this year celebrated their 20th birthday, power the ESTAS own customer review platform which recognises the best conveyancers for customer service based on ratings from clients who have been through the whole moving experience with an agent. This year’s results were calculated from over 300,000 customer review ratings.

Jane Hannaway, Partner & Head of Residential Property commented: “We are thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. We take our levels of customer service very seriously and have always been very proud of the personal service provided by our team. The awards prove we are delivering what we promise.”

The firm would like to congratulate everyone in the Residential Property team and thank them for all their hard work.

Key things to consider when selling your house

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Selling a house can be an overwhelming process, requiring careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction. There are specific laws and regulations that homeowners must adhere to when selling their property.

Jane Hannaway, Partner and Head of Residential Property, outlines the key things to consider when selling your house, to help you navigate through the process successfully.

Prepare your property for viewings
First impressions matter when selling your house. Make sure your property is well-maintained, tidy, and presentable for viewings. Consider de-cluttering and staging your home to showcase its best features. Being flexible with viewing arrangements to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules can increase the likelihood of attracting serious buyers.

Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Before you put your property on the market, in the majority of cases, you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This certificate rates your property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient. A certificate is valid for 10 years and you can check if yours is still valid via the EPC register. If you need a new EPC you can either ask your estate agent to arrange an EPC or arrange one directly with a provider. It is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when selling a property and failing to provide one can lead to delays in the selling process. 

Choose an estate agent
It is often useful to get at least two or three estate agents to value your home. Pricing your property appropriately is crucial to attract potential buyers and increases the chances of a successful sale. Personal recommendations are often valuable as to which estate agents to invite to potentially sell your home. Ask questions as to market trends and recent sales in your area – you are about to ask them to help you with the sale of a valuable asset, so it is important to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with the agency that you instruct.

Prepare the necessary documentation
Gathering all relevant documents related to your property, including title deeds, planning permission documents, building regulations certificates, service records and guarantees for any work done. Having these documents readily available will assist with completing the paperwork for the conveyancing process.

Appoint a solicitor as early as possible
Navigating the legal aspects of selling a property can feel daunting. We would highly recommend engaging a property solicitor as soon as possible once you have decided to market the property. You will then have time to complete the necessary paperwork so that your solicitor can ensure that they then have everything they need to prepare and issue the contract documentation as soon as you do accept an offer. Issuing a comprehensive contract pack in the first instance often leads to fewer enquiries and a faster transaction overall.

How Blaser Mills Law can help
At Blaser Mills Law we have wide experience in all aspects of residential property work. We understand the importance of working proactively to complete transactions as quickly as possible, taking away the stress from what is supposed to be an exciting time in your life. We pride ourselves on our service levels and the communication that we have with our clients, and agents, so that the sale can be as smooth as possible.

To speak to one of our expert property solicitors, contact Jane Hannaway on jeh@blasermills.co.uk.

Blaser Mills Law achieves ‘Standard of Excellence’ to make The ESTAS shortlist for 2023

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Our Residential Property team has been recognised for delivering outstanding customer service to its clients by making the shortlist for The ESTAS – the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

The team’s dedication and excellence have resulted in them receiving prestigious awards with The ESTAS over the past two years.

The team has achieved the ESTAS ‘Standard of Excellence’ based on the service ratings they achieved through their clients submitting reviews to the ESTAS platform. The ESTAS team monitors the service ratings over a 12-month period giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that Blaser Mills Law provides to its clients.

The ESTAS Awards honour the best agents, conveyancers, and mortgage brokers in the UK. Their strict verification process ensures reviews are genuine, this year’s shortlist has been calculated following the evaluation of 300,000 customer review ratings.

The winners will be announced in October at the annual ESTAS ceremony held in London. The awards will be presented by the UK’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer in front of 1,200 of the UK’s top property professionals.

Jane Hannaway, Partner and Head of Residential Property added: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Standard of Excellence award again. Our continuing commitment to delivering exceptional client services time after time is at the forefront, and we take great pride in upholding our reputation for providing top-quality legal advice. Our team has worked really hard to meet the demands and ensure smooth property transactions, even during incredibly busy periods. It means a lot to receive the recognition”.

For all your conveyancing needs please email our Residential Property team today on enquiries@blasermills.co.uk.

Thinking of selling your house in the New Year?

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January is usually a time of change, we all start making plans for all those things we hope to achieve across the year.

What better time could there be to decide if the house you are in is the home you want to see yourself or your family in before next year? Jane Hannaway, Partner & Head of Residential Property looks at why January is a good time to start preparing to sell.

The market
Traditionally the housing market takes a small decline from October through to December, before a rush of property is added in the spring. This is thought to be due to people not wanting to move in the lead-up to the festive season, but it is also very understandable that the thought of trying to transfer all of your valuable possessions from one house to another on a cold winter’s day is not one to warm many hearts.

Fast forward to January, people start looking again at taking that first step or the next step on the property ladder.  If you’re looking to sell within the year, now is the time to start putting those plans into action. The sooner you get your property on the market, the sooner you can instruct a conveyancing solicitor who can begin to prepare all the basic documents you will need to sell your home, helping to speed up the process.

Spring sales
The vast majority of homeowners who choose to sell do so in the spring, leading to a saturated market full of competition for those looking to sell.  It becomes a buyers’ market which can lead to deflation in the price you can hope to achieve.  If you have a valuation you aim to sell at or even need to meet to make a move worthwhile, this could take longer during this period.

There is also more chance of being stuck in a property chain when the market is busier, extending your selling process as there will be buyers before you. The conveyancing process for a buyer is typically longer since there are more steps involved. Selling in the early part of the year allows your property to be seen before others join the market making it far easier for your property to achieve its potential, and it is likely you will be earlier in the chain. As the market becomes more saturated, the time it takes for conveyancing also becomes longer, meaning you could wait months before you get your new property.

Getting ready to sell
Selecting your conveyancing solicitors early on can help you find the right team for you, making it easier along the way to have open communication. As a seller, conveyancing has fewer steps but instructing a solicitor when you decide to list your house allows the paperwork to start early and hopefully prevents delays when a buyer is found.

A big part of moving home is being ready for that big move day. So why not take advantage of the colder weather and that natural tendency to want to stay indoors to declutter? Clearing out those things you no longer want or need helps you make things easier when it comes to moving and will have the added advantage of making the presentation of your home for sale so much easier too.

New year, new property
The sooner you begin finding and instructing a conveyancing team, the smoother the process is likely to go. Plus, getting your home ready is a perfect New Year’s resolution!

Get in touch with Blaser Mills Law
If you are ready to speak to the Residential Property team, get in touch with Jane on 020 3814 2020 or email jeh@blasermills.co.uk.

Residential Property team wins multiple awards at The ESTAS

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We are delighted to announce that our Residential Property team has won three awards at The ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2022.

The team have won the following awards:

  • Bronze & Silver – Best Conveyancer in the South Region
  • Gold – Best in County Buckinghamshire

Now in their 19th year the awards recognise the conveyancers, agents and brokers for customer service based on ratings from clients who have been through the whole moving experience. This year’s results were calculated from over 200,000 customer review ratings.

Alexandra Kirk, Partner & Head of Residential Property commented:  “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance.  We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice.  We have always been very proud of the personal service and this proves we are delivering what we promise.”

The firm would like to congratulate everyone in the Residential Property team and thank them for all of their hard work.

Blaser Mills Law welcomes new Residential Property Partner

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We are delighted to welcome Jane Hannaway to Blaser Mills Law. Jane will be joining our Residential Property team as Partner.

With over 14 years of experience Jane specialises in handling High Net Worth property cases. She has previously acted for a range of buyers, sellers, lenders and developers as well as investors and international clients.

Her strong business development drive has led to a fantastic reputation amongst her clients in and around Buckinghamshire.

Alexandra Kirk, Partner and Head of Residential Property commented: “We are pleased to announce Jane’s appointment as part of the team’s ongoing growth and expansion. Her wealth of experience will be a huge attribute to the department as we continue to provide an excellent service to our clients”.

Jane Hannaway added “ I am very excited to join Blaser Mills Law given its reputation, culture, and drive for growth. I look forward to working alongside the excellent team in expanding the department further”.

Blaser Mills Law very much welcomes Jane and we look forward to her making a positive contribution to the partnership.

Jane Hannaway

Jane is a Partner, Head of the Residential Property team and sits on the firm’s Management board.

She has vast experience in handling high net-worth properties. Jane has acted for a broad range of buyers, sellers, lenders, developers, investors and international clients.

Jane prides herself on her pragmatic legal advice and approachable manner. She has a strong reputation amongst clients which has led to repeat business, referrals and recommendations.

Roz Drye

Roz is a paralegal within the Residential Property Team with over 20 years conveyancing experience.

Roz assists Sarah Corsby our Senior Conveyancer, in all aspects of residential property, including Freehold and Leasehold sales and purchases.

Molly Gleeson

Molly is a Paralegal in the Residential Property team. Molly assists on all initial parts of a property transaction including the compliance aspects and making initial contact with clients.

Gabija Baltramaityte

Gabi is a Chartered Legal Executive in the Residential Property team.

Gabi acts in a variety of residential conveyancing transactions including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfer of equity matters and first registrations.  

Andreea Ene

Andreea is a Paralegal in our Residential Property team and assists Sarah Corsby in a wide range of conveyancing matters.

As part of her qualifying work experience, prior to this, Andreea worked closely with Victoria Harvey for two years being involved with all steps of Clinical Negligence matters. Andreea finalised her LLB Law in January 2024 and she is currently undergoing an SQE 1 Prep Course, intending to sit her SQE 1 exam early next year.

Samantha Bellia

Samantha is a Partner in the Residential Property team.

Samantha has 15 years of experience and throughout the course of her career has specialised in all types of residential property transactions including sales, purchases and remortgages of leasehold and freehold properties as well as new build plot, high value transactions and transfers of equity.

She has represented first time buyers as well as individuals moving home or downsizing to retirement homes along with companies and investors.

Danielle Williamson

Danielle is a Paralegal in the Residential Property team based in our Amersham office.

Danielle oversees the Residential Property Post-Completion department and deals with the administration of matters from completion to closure.

She submits all Land Registry applications and manages the registration process (including first registrations). Within her role, she safeguards that requisitions raised by the Land Registry are resolved to protect client interests.

Danielle also ensures Mortgage Lender relationships are maintained, Lender panel requirements are complied with; and when necessary, serves Notice to the relevant parties concerning restrictions on Title.

Michaela Mayor

Michaela is a paralegal in the Residential Property team.

She assists Zara Liedl Carroll in a range of residential work.

She has over 17 years of Residential Conveyancing experience.

Zara Liedl Carroll

Zara is a Senior Associate in the Residential Property Department.

She has over twelve years of experience acting in Property Law transactions, for both commercial clients and individuals. Zara deals with a broad range of property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, statutory and voluntary lease extensions, buy to let purchases, bridging finance, new build purchases, probate sales, retirement property, Assents and first registrations. Zara also acts for a number of management companies in administering their leases. Zara is also actively involved in legal Pro Bono/voluntary work in her spare time

She takes pride in her organisational skills, approachability, client care and attention to detail. Zara is always eager to guide clients through their unique property journey and prides herself in supporting clients at every step of the way.

Maureen Mahon

Maureen is a Completions Manager in the Residential Property team.

She has over 35 years of Residential Conveyancing experience and regularly deals with freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages and right-to-buy transactions.

Prior to joining Blaser Mills Law, Maureen managed a Post Exchange Department during the property boom and also has experience managing her own caseload within her right as a Fee Earner.

Amy Bailey

Amy is an Associate within the Residential Property team.

Amy acts in a variety of transaction and covers all aspects of residential and buy to let property transactions. Including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfer of equity, lease extensions and first registrations. She also specialises in Shared Ownership properties, Land and Plot sales.

Shannon Terry

Shannon is a Senior Associate working in our Residential Property team.

Shannon is experienced in various residential conveyancing matters including new-build purchases, freehold and leasehold sales and purchases including high value transactions, remortgages and Transfers of Equity matters.

Alexandra Kirk

Alexandra is Partner and sits on the firm’s Management Board to develop and implement the firm’s vision and strategy, particularly on the operational side of the business. Alex also heads up the Private Client division focusing on delivering a high quality and client focused service for the personal client services offered by the firm, and also building close relationships with key complementary external professionals to ensure our clients can obtain access to top quality advice across all areas outside the law.

Alex is also a senior leader in the Residential Property team with over 20 years of experience in the field. Alex has particular expertise in dealing with property for sports professionals and HNW individuals, and regularly advises on all of their property requirements, from buy to let investments to purchasing their main residence. Her vast experience enables her to advise her clients in an efficient, discreet and stress-free manner.

Shabina Hussain

Shabina is a Partner and heads up the New and Retirement Homes team.

Shabina has specialist knowledge within the retirement home market and regularly acts for buyers of retirement homes from industry-leading retirement home providers. Shabina also handles all aspects of residential property law, acting for private individuals, property investors, major developers, and managing agents.