Nearly 70,000 first-time buyers have benefited so far from the abolition of stamp duty on homes costing less than £300,000. The figures, released by the government, cover the period up to 31 March this year. The changes to stamp duty were made by Chancellor Philip Hammond in the autumn Budget last November. The stamp duty
Grandparents may be granted stronger legal rights to see their grandchildren under proposals being considered by Prime Minister Theresa May and the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said her department was considering changing the law so there is a “presumption” that grandparents should be able to see their grandchildren unless there are reasons
The government is making it easier for developers to convert agricultural buildings into family homes. Currently developers are permitted to create a maximum of three homes from agricultural buildings on farmland. This is set to rise to five. It’s part of the government’s plan to meet local housing needs more efficiently. The new measures will
The developers of an app for smartphones have won an injunction preventing Google from withdrawing or suspending services until a dispute can be settled at a full court hearing. The case involved a company called Unlockd Media Technology Ltd, which developed an app delivering advertisements for the Android smartphone operating system. The app was available
The High Court recently handed down judgment in Dobson v Griffey [2018] EWHC 1117 (Ch). Mr Griffey and Ms Dobson were a couple whose relationship began in 2004. In February 2007, Mr Griffey bought a farm in his sole name with the mortgage also in his sole name. The couple then lived in the farm
Cohabitees are usually unmarried couples that live together, and the number of couples choosing to cohabit either before marriage or as an alternative to marriage in England and Wales has increased considerably over recent years. Despite the increasing popularity, many couples who choose to cohabit are unaware of the possible risks involved and rely on
Bitcoin is a digital currency created in 2009 which can be used to buy or sell items from individuals and companies that accept Bitcoin as payment, but does not exist as a physical currency. Bitcoin does not have a central bank and is not linked or regulated by any state. Despite its erratic nature, the
The Supreme Court has recently made an important ruling clarifying the way in which contracts may be varied. In Rock Advertising Ltd v MWB Business Exchange Centres Ltd [2018] UKSC 24, the Supreme Court considered whether a contract with a ‘No Oral Modification’ clause could be varied other than in accordance with that clause. The
A businessman has failed to overturn his father’s will, so he could inherit farming land and other substantial assets. The High Court heard that the father had built up a farming and haulage business during his working life and acquired several parcels of land. The son worked for the business and lived for free in
The government is to give local authorities the power to double council tax on homes that are left empty for long periods. It’s hoped the move will bring more properties back into use and ease the pressure on the housing market. The new legislation will allow councils to charge double the rate of Council Tax