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300% Council tax hike in Wales - Is this the way of resolving the second home problem?

The Welsh Government recently announced further changes to the laws to enable local authorities to increase the premiums on Council Tax for second home owners. At present, the legislation states that they can charge up to 100% premium on top of the standard Council Tax rates for second home owners. Counties such as Gwynedd initially introduced a 50% hike increase into 100% for the 2021 – 2022 tax year. That is now changing to enable councils to charge up to 300% second home premium from April 2023.

Reform of The Inheritance Tax

Energy Performance Regulations

Energy Performance Regulations now effect not only obtaining certificates for energy efficiency before properties are sold but they also effect planning policy. This is a brief guide setting out the basic Energy Performance Regulations.

New planning rules for second homes in Wales

The Welsh Government have already announced well publicised changes to Council Tax premiums for second homes in Wales. Legislation will come into affect in April 2023, that will allow Councils to charge an additional 300% Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty properties. Each individual Council will be able to decide the level which they feel is appropriate to their locality.

Housing Act 1988 and how it affects your Lease

If you have a long leasehold property, for example if you are not a tenant on a short lease like a 6- or 12-month lease but actually have a long leasehold such as 99 years, 125 years or even 999 years of term then it is very likely that your lease will contain what is known as a forfeiture clause. The Housing Act 1988 has a significant impact on this, and this blog looks to explore how it could affect your lease. The Housing Act 1988 has a significant impact if the ground rent in your lease exceeds £250 per annum or has the potential to exceed this amount (£1000 for the Greater London area).

Why is my house sale taking so long? A seller’s perspective

Buying and selling a house can be a frustrating process. It is our job as solicitors to explain each step of the way to our clients so that they can manage their expectations and fully appreciate the process that needs to take place before a property can be sold. The purpose of this blog is to look at it from a seller’s perspective and to try and give an explanation as solicitors as to why sellers sometimes get frustrated with the conveyancing process and hopefully it will go someway to alleviate that frustration.