Ask from our Property Experts

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:

Why did Newham Council initiate legal proceedings against Chaplair Ltd?

The legal action was taken under the Housing Act 2004 after Chaplair Ltd did not comply with an improvement notice, failing to remove hazardous cladding from its Lumiere building within the specified deadline.

Read more
Read by(19)

how does The case of Pole Properties Ltd v Feinberg [1981] 43 P&CR 121 deals with the issue of adverse possession?

The case of Pole Properties Ltd v Feinberg [1981] 43 P&CR 121 is a notable legal case that deals with the issue of adverse possession and its application in property law.Pole Properties Ltd., the claimant in this case, sought to take ownership of a plot of land t...

Read more
Read by(19)

Is the ground rents ban retroactive?

No, the ground rents ban is not retroactive. It does not impact ground rents already being charged under existing leases. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 banned ground rents for residential apartments with effect on June 30, 2022, except for retirement h...

Read more
Read by(19)

The case of The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45 involves an issue of considerable debate within residential leases over whether charges, particularly in relation to major works, imposed on leaseholders by local authorities are reasonable and proportionate to sums that may be recoverable from the leaseholders.

The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45SummaryThe case of The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45 involves an issue of considerable debate within residential leases over whether charges, particularly in relation to major works, i...

Read more
Read by(19)

What changes have been made to the capital gains tax rules?

In the budget of October 2022, the UK government announced that capital gains tax allowance is being reduced by 50 percent. They apply to profits made from selling or disposing of an asset like a buy-to-let property or other asset of value.

Read more
Read by(19)

What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?

The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.

Read more
Read by(19)

What are the housing options available in Salford?

Salford offers many housing options, including apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and larger family homes. Rental and purchase options are available across various neighborhoods in the city.

Read more
Read by(19)

Where is Ringley located ?

Headquartered in London with offices in Manchester and Cardiff, and circa 70 staff out on site covering assets nationwide, Ringley's UK-wide portfolio comprises over 13,000 homes of mixed tenures. Ringley is a residential real estate-focused company that works with i...

Read more
Read by(19)

How many empty homes are there in the UK; government figures?

The latest figures (2022) show a huge increase in the number of long-term empty homes across every region in the UK. Government figures released in November 2022, show the number of long-term empty homes has risen by around 20,000 compared to last year. The number o...

Read more
Read by(19)

How many types of property taxes are levied in the UK?

In the case of the UK, several different property taxes are levied, including council tax, stamp duty land tax (SDLT), and capital gains tax (CGT) on property sales.

Read more
Read by(19)

What are the standard amenities in an apartment building?

Water and electricity supply, drainage system, open spaces, terraces, parking lots, and recreational grounds are standard amenities in an apartment building.

Read more
Read by(18)

What is a freehold title in UK law?

Freehold is absolute ownership of the property, including the land it stands on. Whereas leasehold is the right to a demised property for a term of years. In a freehold leasehold scenario, unless there is a management company or right-to-manage the company in existe...

Read more
Read by(18)

What is the Red Book RICS?

RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents the property profession in 146 countries, and regulates its ‘Chartered’ members. All valuations are subject to the RICS International Valuation Standards otherwise known as the ‘Red Book’.

Read more
Read by(18)

How is overcrowding determined based on the number of rooms available?

Rules state that anyone aged 10 or over counts as one person, children aged 1 to 9 count as half a person, and babies under 1 are not considered. Overcrowding occurs when the number of rooms is insufficient for the total count of people living in the household. Note:...

Read more
Read by(18)

What are interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of their capacity to have their say on the lease renewals?

Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121 (Court of Appeal)SummaryIn the matter Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121, the courts had summed interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of th...

Read more
Read by(18)

This case brings out significant questions with respect to the statutory consultation requirements for major works under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985.

Daejan Investments Limited (Appellant) v Benson and Others [2013] UKSC 14SummaryThis case of Daejan Investments Limited, Appellant v Benson and others [2013] UKSC 14 brings out significant questions with respect to the statutory consultation requirements for major wo...

Read more
Read by(18)

What is a register of directors/members and shareholders?

This is a simply a register of who is control of the company i.e. the directors and should reflect the records held at Companies House as any appointments or resignations have to be referred to them by completing them a 288A form.

Read more
Read by(18)

What is the process after the meeting?

After the meeting, the minutes will be issued so you can see the actions arising. You can log onto the Ringley Gateway™ and watch as we action things.

Read more
Read by(18)

I’m happy to host the AGM in my property. Is this possible?

What a lovely idea, just suggest this to your Property Manager.

Read more
Read by(18)

Is it reasonable and valid of service charges charged by Marina Heights Limited?

Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 entails a dispute between a lessee, Rita Akorita, and a freeholder, Marina Heights Limited, on service charges. The Upper Tribunal took ...

Read more
Read by(18)

What is the difference between a freehold and a leasehold property?

The main difference between a freehold and a leasehold property lies in the ownership rights and duration of ownership:- Freehold Property: When you own a freehold property, you have complete ownership of both the building and the land it stands on. You hold the p...

Read more
Read by(18)

Are social landlords also required to meet the EPC C target by 2030?

Although social landlords are encouraged to improve energy efficiency, the 2030 EPC C target has not been mandated yet for social landlords. That said, both the Conservative government and now the Labour government have set aside money via the Social Housing Decarbo...

Read more
Read by(18)

What level of insurance commissions is normal at First port and Estates and Management?

In a case due to be heard at Tribunal in January 2024, Brian White alleges that FirstPort imposes charges on leaseholders and threatens late payment fees to discourage challenging insurance premiums. The property concerned is Hollin Bank Court in Blackburn and White...

Read more
Read by(18)

What is the best time and the worst to buy a house?

Spring is regarded as the best time as more homes are available for sale. August and December tend to be the worst.

Read more
Read by(18)

What are the responsibilities of an absent freeholder?

The responsibilities of an absent freeholder can vary depending on the specific circumstances, lease agreements, and local laws. However, some general responsibilities that an absent freeholder may have include:- Collecting Ground Rent: The freeholder is typically...

Read more
Read by(18)

Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?

Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.

Read more
Read by(18)

We have a number of electric heaters in the common areas. The directors mindful of the costs of running such heaters wish to keep the heat level down. However some owners, and more often or not tenants wish the temperature to be higher. Has anyone had any experience of this and can recommend a minimum temperature.

the answer is it would be unlikely that the lease requires there to be heaters int he common parts 99% of blocks do not have heaters in the common parts if one were to choose what temperature they should be at I would suggest adopt the usual temperature level recomme...

Read more
Read by(17)

How do you take over freehold?

For residents to collectively buy the Freehold of their building they will need a majority of over 50% (the remaining residents will then have a choice to join and buy or remain a leaseholder of the newly formed Freehold Company). This process is commonly known as En...

Read more
Read by(17)

What was the limitation period of the Defective Premises Act 1972 before the Building Safety Act 2022?

Prior to the Building Safety Act 2022, the Defective Premises Act 1972 required claims to be brought within 6 years. The Building Safety Act which received Royal Assent on the 28th April 2022 has now completed all the parliamentary stages in both Houses to become an...

Read more
Read by(17)

How many landlords left the rental market in 2022?

Properties available to rent plunged by 49 percent between March 2019 and March 2022. 53 percent of buy-to-let properties were permanently removed from the private rental market.

Read more
Read by(17)

Ask our Experts

What our customers are asking:


Why did Newham Council initiate legal proceedings against Chaplair Ltd?

The legal action was taken under the Housing Act 2004 after Chaplair Ltd did not comply with an improvement notice, failing to remove hazardous cladding from its Lumiere building within the specified deadline.


Read More

how does The case of Pole Properties Ltd v Feinberg [1981] 43 P&CR 121 deals with the issue of adverse possession?

The case of Pole Properties Ltd v Feinberg [1981] 43 P&CR 121 is a notable legal case that deals with the issue of adverse possession and its application in property law.Pole Properties Ltd., the claimant in this case, sought to take ownership of a plot of land t...


Read More

Is the ground rents ban retroactive?

No, the ground rents ban is not retroactive. It does not impact ground rents already being charged under existing leases. The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 banned ground rents for residential apartments with effect on June 30, 2022, except for retirement h...


Read More

The case of The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45 involves an issue of considerable debate within residential leases over whether charges, particularly in relation to major works, imposed on leaseholders by local authorities are reasonable and proportionate to sums that may be recoverable from the leaseholders.

The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45SummaryThe case of The London Borough of Hounslow v Waaler [2017] EWCA Civ 45 involves an issue of considerable debate within residential leases over whether charges, particularly in relation to major works, i...


Read More

What changes have been made to the capital gains tax rules?

In the budget of October 2022, the UK government announced that capital gains tax allowance is being reduced by 50 percent. They apply to profits made from selling or disposing of an asset like a buy-to-let property or other asset of value.


Read More

What Will the Infrastructure Levy Replace?

The Infrastructure Levy will replace CIL, Section 106, and affordable housing contributions with a single flat-rate levy.


Read More

What are the housing options available in Salford?

Salford offers many housing options, including apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and larger family homes. Rental and purchase options are available across various neighborhoods in the city.


Read More

Where is Ringley located ?

Headquartered in London with offices in Manchester and Cardiff, and circa 70 staff out on site covering assets nationwide, Ringley's UK-wide portfolio comprises over 13,000 homes of mixed tenures. Ringley is a residential real estate-focused company that works with i...


Read More

How many empty homes are there in the UK; government figures?

The latest figures (2022) show a huge increase in the number of long-term empty homes across every region in the UK. Government figures released in November 2022, show the number of long-term empty homes has risen by around 20,000 compared to last year. The number o...


Read More

How many types of property taxes are levied in the UK?

In the case of the UK, several different property taxes are levied, including council tax, stamp duty land tax (SDLT), and capital gains tax (CGT) on property sales.


Read More

What are the standard amenities in an apartment building?

Water and electricity supply, drainage system, open spaces, terraces, parking lots, and recreational grounds are standard amenities in an apartment building.


Read More

What is a freehold title in UK law?

Freehold is absolute ownership of the property, including the land it stands on. Whereas leasehold is the right to a demised property for a term of years. In a freehold leasehold scenario, unless there is a management company or right-to-manage the company in existe...


Read More

What is the Red Book RICS?

RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents the property profession in 146 countries, and regulates its ‘Chartered’ members. All valuations are subject to the RICS International Valuation Standards otherwise known as the ‘Red Book’.


Read More

How is overcrowding determined based on the number of rooms available?

Rules state that anyone aged 10 or over counts as one person, children aged 1 to 9 count as half a person, and babies under 1 are not considered. Overcrowding occurs when the number of rooms is insufficient for the total count of people living in the household. Note:...


Read More

What are interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of their capacity to have their say on the lease renewals?

Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121 (Court of Appeal)SummaryIn the matter Pole Properties Limited v Feinberg [1982] 43 P&CR 121, the courts had summed interpretations involving lease provisions and rights of the landlord and the tenant of th...


Read More

This case brings out significant questions with respect to the statutory consultation requirements for major works under the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985.

Daejan Investments Limited (Appellant) v Benson and Others [2013] UKSC 14SummaryThis case of Daejan Investments Limited, Appellant v Benson and others [2013] UKSC 14 brings out significant questions with respect to the statutory consultation requirements for major wo...


Read More

What is a register of directors/members and shareholders?

This is a simply a register of who is control of the company i.e. the directors and should reflect the records held at Companies House as any appointments or resignations have to be referred to them by completing them a 288A form.


Read More

What is the process after the meeting?

After the meeting, the minutes will be issued so you can see the actions arising. You can log onto the Ringley Gateway™ and watch as we action things.


Read More

I’m happy to host the AGM in my property. Is this possible?

What a lovely idea, just suggest this to your Property Manager.


Read More

Is it reasonable and valid of service charges charged by Marina Heights Limited?

Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 (LC)SummaryThe case of Rita Akorita v Marina Heights Limited [2017] UKUT 255 entails a dispute between a lessee, Rita Akorita, and a freeholder, Marina Heights Limited, on service charges. The Upper Tribunal took ...


Read More

What is the difference between a freehold and a leasehold property?

The main difference between a freehold and a leasehold property lies in the ownership rights and duration of ownership:- Freehold Property: When you own a freehold property, you have complete ownership of both the building and the land it stands on. You hold the p...


Read More

Are social landlords also required to meet the EPC C target by 2030?

Although social landlords are encouraged to improve energy efficiency, the 2030 EPC C target has not been mandated yet for social landlords. That said, both the Conservative government and now the Labour government have set aside money via the Social Housing Decarbo...


Read More

What level of insurance commissions is normal at First port and Estates and Management?

In a case due to be heard at Tribunal in January 2024, Brian White alleges that FirstPort imposes charges on leaseholders and threatens late payment fees to discourage challenging insurance premiums. The property concerned is Hollin Bank Court in Blackburn and White...


Read More

What is the best time and the worst to buy a house?

Spring is regarded as the best time as more homes are available for sale. August and December tend to be the worst.


Read More

What are the responsibilities of an absent freeholder?

The responsibilities of an absent freeholder can vary depending on the specific circumstances, lease agreements, and local laws. However, some general responsibilities that an absent freeholder may have include:- Collecting Ground Rent: The freeholder is typically...


Read More

Who is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet?

Mr. Michael Gove is the Housing Secretary in the new cabinet under Rishi Sunak.


Read More

We have a number of electric heaters in the common areas. The directors mindful of the costs of running such heaters wish to keep the heat level down. However some owners, and more often or not tenants wish the temperature to be higher. Has anyone had any experience of this and can recommend a minimum temperature.

the answer is it would be unlikely that the lease requires there to be heaters int he common parts 99% of blocks do not have heaters in the common parts if one were to choose what temperature they should be at I would suggest adopt the usual temperature level recomme...


Read More

How do you take over freehold?

For residents to collectively buy the Freehold of their building they will need a majority of over 50% (the remaining residents will then have a choice to join and buy or remain a leaseholder of the newly formed Freehold Company). This process is commonly known as En...


Read More

What was the limitation period of the Defective Premises Act 1972 before the Building Safety Act 2022?

Prior to the Building Safety Act 2022, the Defective Premises Act 1972 required claims to be brought within 6 years. The Building Safety Act which received Royal Assent on the 28th April 2022 has now completed all the parliamentary stages in both Houses to become an...


Read More

How many landlords left the rental market in 2022?

Properties available to rent plunged by 49 percent between March 2019 and March 2022. 53 percent of buy-to-let properties were permanently removed from the private rental market.


Read More