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

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

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 In reality, boundaries are often determined by a combination of historical documents, physical features on the ground, and, if necessary, legal interpretation.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

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

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.

At JB Property Law, our commitment to the armed forces community goes beyond words. It is reflected in the practical decisions we make as a business. One of those decisions is our approach to Forces Help to Buy (FHTB). While many firms charge additional legal fees for handling Forces Help to Buy transactions, we have chosen to waive these extra costs for our armed forces clients. This is a conscious decision and one that sits at the heart of who we are.

Anti Money Laundering (AML) checks refer to the due diligence procedures required by law. The Fourth EU Money Laundering Directive, incorporated into UK law in June 2017 through the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations, mandates conveyancers to perform 'Client Due Diligence' (CDD) on every client. This process includes verifying clients' identities, assessing the transaction's circumstances, the client’s financial standing, and the origin of

At JB Property Law, specialising in armed forces conveyancing was never a short-term decision. It was a commitment. Today, that commitment continues to shape how we grow, evolve, and serve our clients. What began as a personal connection has developed into a clear and focused niche within our business. One that is not only growing, but becoming a defining part of who we are. Building on Strong Foundations Our original decision to support the armed forces community came from l

Building Regulations establish minimum standards for design, construction, and alterations to virtually every building to ensure the health and safety of people in or around those buildings. They also include requirements for conserving fuel and power and providing access and movement facilities for people, including those with disabilities, within buildings. Interaction with planning control is also significant. While planning permission may be required for many types of bui

The Exchange of Contracts and Completion process marks the point at which the seller and buyer are irrevocably and legally committed to the sale and purchase of the property. Unlike an estate agent's 'Notes of the sale,' which hold no legal weight and are not binding, the formal legal exchange of contracts ensures that neither party can withdraw or alter the price without consequence. The term 'exchange of contracts' refers to the practice where the buyer and seller each sign

Let the buyer beware - ‘Caveat Emptor’ It is crucial for a buyer to have a house or flat professionally surveyed before the exchange of contracts occurs. Conveyancers are not qualified to advise buyers on the value, structural integrity, or the physical condition of the property. Such advice should be obtained from a surveyor. Under English law, sellers are generally not obligated to ensure that the property is physically suitable for the buyer or that it meets planning, bui

What is a ‘Gifted Deposit’? The first kind of 'gifted deposit,' known as a 'Seller's gifted deposit,' occurs when the seller offers a portion of the purchase price back to the buyers, either as a discount or a deposit. This can happen when a seller, like a housebuilder, reduces or eliminates the deposit required from the buyers at the contract exchange, or when the seller contributes to or refunds part of the purchase price upon completion. The second kind, termed a 'Family g

At JB Property Law, our decision to specialise in armed forces conveyancing wasn’t driven by market trends or commercial convenience. It came from something far more personal, lived experience, understanding, and a deep respect for the unique challenges faced by those who serve.