What do business owners need to know before signing a new commercial property lease?
Understanding your legal rights as a commercial tenant is vital before committing to a lease for your business premises. Mert Sumbul considers the impact of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. What is the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954? The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 is a significant law governing the relationship between landlords and tenants in commercial properties. It outlines the duties and rights of both parties in leases for business premises. Here, we’ll focus on how it affects tenants, as the Act provides specific protections that can be…
Rights of way & agricultural land
The public have a right to roam much of the great outdoors in England. Open access land includes areas like downland, heathland, and mountains where the public can walk freely. However, unlike Scotland, there is no universal right to roam most of the land for recreational purposes. In England, the public have rights of access to land over established rights of way. What is a right of way? A right of way is a right enjoyed by the public to cross over someone else’s land. In a rural setting, that…
Selling part of your garden/property
Changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax in the 2024 Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled the first Budget of the Labour government. The Chancellor revealed that the rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) payable on the acquisition of additional dwellings (a second home) by individuals, or the purchase of dwellings by companies is to increase. These transactions will now be subject to an additional rate of 5% above the standard residential rates of SDLT, increasing from the previous surcharge of 3%. What is a second property? A second property is a residential property purchased in addition to your main…