top of page


Armistice Day & Remembrance Day – Honouring Service and Sacrifice
On 11 November each year, the United Kingdom pauses to remember the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflict. Armistice Day marks the end of the First World War in 1918, when the armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany came into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Joanne Bowmer
1 day ago2 min read


Why the Forces Help to Buy 12-month occupancy rule is legally non-negotiable
Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) isn't just a loan; it's a specific policy with strict residency requirements that can conflict with the unpredictable nature of service life in 2026. The most critical legal hurdle is the 12-month occupancy rule, which mandates that the property must be your primary residence for at least a year. If you're posted away or deployed shortly after completion, you face a complex legal intersection between JSP 464 regulations and your mortgage lender's ter
Joanne Bowmer
Nov 34 min read


We Can All Talk the Talk. But Sometimes You've Got to Put Your Boots On and March to Your Own Orders.
We have officially received the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award 2026, recognising our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Joanne Bowmer
Nov 24 min read


Odd Laws No 17
Another round up of odd laws from around the world
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 312 min read


Supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal: Honouring Service, Sacrifice, and Community
Every October and November, communities across the UK come together to support one of the country’s most recognised and meaningful charitable campaigns — the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 263 min read


Trafalgar Day: Protecting What Matters Most
On this Trafalgar Day, JB Property Law proudly joins the nation in recognising the service and sacrifice of the Royal Navy, whose dedication has helped protect Britain's shores and secure its future for generations.
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 212 min read


Buying a Property with a Septic Tank in Wales: What You Need to Know
If you're buying or selling a property in Wales that isn't connected to the mains sewer network, it's important to understand how the property's drainage system works and what legal responsibilities come with it.
Septic tanks, sewage treatment plants and cesspits can all affect a property's value, future maintenance costs and even whether additional works will be required after purchase.
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 193 min read


More Than a Mountain: How Our Armed Forces Community Came Together to Raise £570
Discover how Joanne Bowmer, Forces Wives Challenge and the Armed Forces community came together to raise £570 for the Duke of Lancaster's Regimental Charity.
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 144 min read


From Making the Tea at 16 to the Top 100 Legal Influencers: Why This Recognition Belongs to More Than Just Me
From office junior to Top 100 Legal Influencer, Joanne Bowmer shares why her recognition belongs to the Armed Forces families she champions.
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 134 min read


When does the Forces Help To Buy loan actually hit your lawyer's account?
The Forces Help To Buy (FHTB) loan typically arrives in your lawyer’s client account precisely 24 to 48 hours before the scheduled completion date. However, the MOD doesn't just release the funds because you've asked; the money is only triggered once your lawyer submits a formal Certificate of Entitlement and a specific claim form after a mortgage offer is in place and the legal chain is ready to commit. Timing this is the most frequent point of failure in military property d
Joanne Bowmer
Oct 94 min read


More Than a Walk: Finding the Armed Forces Community in Unexpected Places
I signed up to climb Pen y Fan for charity. That sounds very straightforward when you say it quickly. What I perhaps failed to consider was that I don't really do walking. I definitely don't do hiking. And I was going to turn up to an event where I knew absolutely nobody. So, naturally, I was absolutely terrified.
But what started as a charity walk turned into one of those weekends that reminded me why the Armed Forces community has been such a huge part of my life for so
Joanne Bowmer
Sep 297 min read


Powers of Attorney Explained: Why They're Not Just for Later Life
Most people assume that Powers of Attorney are only relevant in later life. In reality, they can be invaluable at any age, helping to ensure that someone you trust can manage your affairs if you're unable to do so yourself.
Whether you're travelling abroad, recovering from an illness, involved in a property transaction, or planning for the future, understanding the different types of Power of Attorney can save significant stress and delay
Joanne Bowmer
Sep 273 min read


Operation: Stronger Together — A Veteran's Perspective
Yesterday I travelled from Cumbria to Manchester with my wife, Joanne, for Operation: Stronger Together, hosted by Veterans Welfare Group alongside Centurion Chartered Financial Planners.
The event brought together veterans, businesses and people working to support the Armed Forces community, with veteran stories and plenty of time for people to connect and share experiences.
Ashley Bowmer
Sep 244 min read


From Military Life to Civvy Street: The Things Nobody Tells Us
Leaving military life and moving into your own home is a huge milestone. After years of postings, SFA and having a ready-made community around you, civvy street can feel like a whole new adventure.
There’s the excitement of finally having a home that is truly yours, but also a surprising number of things nobody tells you about.
Amy Lovely
Sep 215 min read


Battle of Britain Day: Remembering the Few Who Protected Our Future
JB Property Law marks Battle of Britain Day by remembering the bravery of RAF pilots and reflecting on the enduring importance of home, family and community.
Joanne Bowmer
Sep 152 min read


Bella’s Big Promotion: From Shredding to Community Mascot
Bella has recently progressed to become our official mascot at Remembrance Day parades, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, she’s also taken on responsibilities as our “Head of Security.” It’s a title she carries with both dignity and just the right amount of charm.
Joanne Bowmer
Sep 61 min read


Why the Forces Help to Buy application status doesn't mean your legal is done
Receiving your Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the MOD is a major milestone, but it doesn't automatically trigger the legal transfer of funds. To avoid delays, your lawyer must submit a formal Claim Form to the MOD at least two weeks before completion—a window that often clashes with the fast-paced nature of modern property chains. If your lawyer doesn't understand the specific sequence of the FHTB loan agreement versus the standard mortgage deed, you risk missing y
Joanne Bowmer
Sep 23 min read


Rentcharges Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you're buying or selling a property, your conveyancer may raise something called a rentcharge. While rentcharges are relatively uncommon, they can have significant implications for homeowners, buyers, and mortgage lenders.
In this article, we explain what rentcharges are, the risks they can create, and what options are available if your property is affected.
Joanne Bowmer
Aug 313 min read


Every Business Needs an Amy (Ours Just Happens to Be Lovely)
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to Amy Lovely. Military spouse. Mum. My PA. Beyond the CV Champion.
But now she's had a little while to settle into the madness that is JB Property Law, I thought it was time for a proper catch-up. Not a polished "meet the team" interview. I wanted to know what it's actually like working with us.
Is genuine flexibility really genuine? Can you build a career around military life and four children?
And, perhaps most importantly, does A
Joanne Bowmer
Aug 266 min read


Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common? Choosing the Right Way to Own Property Together
Buying a property with someone else? Learn the difference between Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common, and discover which ownership structure may be right for you.
Joanne Bowmer
Aug 195 min read
bottom of page
