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Mixed-Use Property and the Renters

Mixed-Use Property and the Renters’ Rights Act

Mixed-use properties (buildings that combine commercial premises with residential accommodation) are a familiar feature of the UK’s towns and high streets. The flat above the shop, the office with a caretaker’s dwelling, the converted warehouse with a ground-floor retail unit: these are common arrangements, and they attract buyers ranging from small investors to established property businesses. From 1 May 2026, anyone owning or acquiring such a property needs to understand that the residential element will be governed by a significantly reformed legal framework. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the…

Pension Death Benefits: What Happens to Your Pension When You Die?

For many people, a pension represents one of the most significant assets they will accumulate during their lifetime. Yet its treatment on death — who receives it, how, and what tax is payable — is often poorly understood. With important changes on the horizon, it is worth taking stock of where the rules currently stand and what is set to change from April 2027. The Current Position: Income Tax and the Age 75 Threshold Under current rules, the tax treatment of pension death benefits depends primarily on whether the pension…

Home Improvements

When Do You Need Planning Permission for Home Improvements

Whether you are dreaming of a new extension, converting your loft, or simply updating the front of your property, one of the first questions you should ask is: “Do I need planning permission?” The answer is not always straightforward and getting it wrong can be both costly and stressful. It pays to understand the basics before you pick up the phone to a builder. What is planning permission? Planning permission is formal approval from your local planning authority (LPA) that you need before carrying out certain types of building work.…

Inheritance Act

Inheritance Act Claims and Letters of Wishes: Managing Risk in Estate Planning

Even a carefully drafted will does not always bring matters to an end. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain people to apply to the court for financial provision if a will or the intestacy rules fail to make reasonable provision for them. One practical way to reduce the risk of disputes is to use a well-thought-out Letter of Wishes. This article explains how the 1975 Act works, who can bring a claim, and how Letters of Wishes can help provide clarity and context after death.…

A New Year Wills Healthcheck

Is your Will still fit for purpose?

The start of a new year is often a prompt to get things in order - reviewing finances, updating records and planning for the year ahead. One important document that is often overlooked after it’s been signed, however, is a Will. Many people assume that once a Will is in place, the job is done and it can be forgotten about. In reality, even a well-drafted Will can cause significant difficulty if it is outdated, unclear, or cannot be located when it is needed. We recently dealt with a matter…

Leaving Charitable Gifts in Your Will

Leaving Charitable Gifts in Your Will

Leaving a charitable gift in your will is an easy, impactful way to support causes you care about. Whether it’s a fixed sum, a specific item, or a share of your residuary estate, legacy giving can create a lasting difference — and it can be tax-efficient. Gifts to UK-qualifying charities are usually exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). Ways to leave a gift to charity Pecuniary gift: a specified sum of money to a named charity. Specific gift: a particular item (e.g. property, jewellery, artwork, shares). Residuary gift: all or a…

Law in England

What You Need to Know About Lodgers and the Law in England

Taking in a lodger can be a sensible way to earn extra income while making the most of spare space in your home. But before you offer a room, it’s important to understand the legal rules, the rights a lodger has, and your responsibilities as the homeowner. What Exactly Is a Lodger? A lodger is someone who rents a room in your home and shares facilities such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living room with you. Because you also live there, the arrangement is different from renting out a self-contained…

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