Most military personnel assume the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme works like a standard deposit, but the legal reality is closer to a complex bridging loan managed by the MoD. Because the funds are drawn from your future salary and secured against your property, the timeline for 'Notice to Draw' requires a level of coordination that standard high-street lawyers often miss. Missing a single deadline for paperwork can push your completion back & potentially jeopardising your

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents one of the most significant reforms to property law in the UK in recent decades. Introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Act aims to improve building safety standards, increase accountability, and provide greater protection for leaseholders. For firms like JB Property Law, the Act has reshaped the legal landscape surrounding leasehold properties, introducing both new challenges and opportunities.

This is where our passion runs deepest. Too often, when people talk about Armed Forces conveyancing, the focus is placed solely on actively

Buying a New-Build Home: What You Need to Know About Warranties, Snagging and Risks

From 1st May, significant legal changes are coming into force that will directly affect landlords across the private rented sector. One issue in particular is being brought sharply into focus: black mould. For many landlords, mould has historically been treated as a minor maintenance issue or, in some cases, attributed to tenant lifestyle. That approach is no longer sustainable. Under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights legislation, expectations are rising and the consequences of

A Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) application isn't a guarantee of mortgage approval because lenders and the MOD look at your pay packet through two completely different lenses. While the MOD might agree to lend you up to £25,000, a high-street lender will often reduce your maximum borrowing amount because that FHTB loan is treated as a monthly debt commitment. If your total monthly credit repayments—including the new mortgage and the FHTB repayment exceed 55% of your gross househo

Permitted development rights (PDR) allow property owners in the UK to make certain changes to their homes without needing to apply for full planning permission. These rights can save time and money, but they come with specific rules and limits. Understanding what you can and cannot do under permitted development is essential before starting any work on your property. What Are Permitted Development Rights? Permitted development rights are a set of government rules that allow h

Buying a new-build property while serving in the armed forces isn't the 'chain-free doddle' that site agents often pitch. While you don't have a seller moving out on the same day, you have a rigid developer deadline on one side and the MOD’s administrative timeline on the other. In 2026, the success of these transactions hinges on the precise alignment of the Forces Help To Buy (FHTB) drawdown with the developer’s 28-day exchange expectation.

Buying a property with a partner, friend, family member, or investment partner is an exciting milestone. However, before you collect the keys and start planning your future, there is one important legal document that many co-owners overlook: a Trust Deed. A properly drafted Trust Deed can provide clarity, protect everyone's financial interests, and help prevent costly disputes further down the line.

Most lenders will reject a mortgage application if they spot an undisclosed debt on a payslip, but for many service personnel, the 'debt' is actually an old Long Service Advance of Pay (LSAP) balance that hasn't been properly cleared or converted. Understanding how the Ministry of Defence transitioned from LSAP to the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme is essential because even in 2026, legacy administrative errors during this switch can stall a property purchase at the elevent

Understanding property boundaries can be confusing. Many people assume the Land Registry defines exact boundary lines, but that’s not the case. In reality, boundaries are often determined by a combination of historical documents, physical features on the ground, and, if necessary, legal interpretation. Why Your Old Deeds Matter If you have original deeds, conveyances, or transfer documents, keep them safe. These can be crucial in establishing where boundaries were originally

The Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme allows personnel to borrow up to £25,000 interest-free, but assuming every bank treats this as a standard 'cash deposit' is a mistake that causes hundreds of mortgage applications to fail at the finish line in 2026. While the MOD views the funds as an advance on your salary, lenders view it as a debt, and the legal work must bridge that gap to ensure your offer isn't withdrawn during the conveyancing process.

Moving home is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, good planning can make all the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one. Here are our top practical tips to help you stay organised and in control throughout the process. Start Planning Early The earlier you start, the better. As soon as your move becomes likely: Create a checklist of key tasks Start gathering important documents Think about timelines (especially

For many Armed Forces personnel, the Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) scheme has been a game-changer. It has helped thousands of service members raise a deposit and take their first step onto the property ladder. However, a growing number of applicants are discovering that securing FHTB approval does not automatically mean a mortgage lender will issue an offer. One of the most misunderstood barriers is the so-called 12-month re-engagement rule.

When buying a property, you will be asked where your money is coming from. This is a normal and essential part of the legal process and something all conveyancers are required to do. Why are we asking? We are legally required to carry out checks under Anti-Money Laundering regulations. This means we must: Confirm where your purchase funds are coming from ( Source of Funds ) Ensure your overall financial position matches the transaction ( Source of Wealth ) This is not about m

Moving home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences. For those serving in the armed forces, that stress can be significantly heightened by the realities of military life. At JB Property Law, we work closely with armed forces personnel and their families every day and we understand that moving is rarely straightforward.

Why Using a Specialist Armed Forces Conveyancer Makes a Difference When buying or selling a home, most people assume that all conveyancing services are broadly the same. On paper, the process may look similar, but for members of the armed forces, the reality is often very different. At JB Property Law, we have built our service around those differences. And that is why working with a specialist armed forces conveyancer can make a significant impact on both your experience an

At JB Property Law, our commitment to the armed forces community is not just reflected in the services we offer. It is embedded in the decisions we make as a business. One of those decisions is our choice to offer a 15% discount on legal fees to serving personnel and veterans, and importantly, to extend that same support to reservists and their families.

New year often brings with it the search for a new home. Please click below to download our handy moving checklist.

As JB Property Law has grown, so too has our ambition. Not just to support more clients, but to do so in a way that protects the quality, flexibility and personal service we are known for. That is why partnering with Carbon Law Partners has been such an important step in our journey. This partnership is not just about growth. It is about creating the right structure to fully develop our specialist service in armed forces conveyancing.