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Bridging Loans: What Property Buyers Need to Know
Bridging finance has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in competitive property markets and among buyers purchasing at auction. However, while bridging loans can be extremely useful, they are not suitable for every situation and come with additional costs, risks, and legal requirements that buyers should fully understand before proceeding.
Aimee Summers
Jun 74 min read


Remembering the Courage and Sacrifice of the D-Day Landings
Today, we pause to remember the bravery, sacrifice, and determination shown by Allied forces during the D-Day Landings on 6 June 1944. One of the most significant moments in modern history.
Joanne Bowmer
Jun 61 min read


The Story AI Got Wrong: How We Really Met
One of the unexpected joys of running a website is discovering what people are searching for. Website analytics can reveal fascinating insights into what visitors want to know, from practical questions about our work to subjects we never imagined anyone would search for. This week, however, we discovered something rather unusual. Someone had asked AI how Ashley and I met.
Even more amusingly, AI had confidently supplied an answer. According to the internet, we're childhood
Joanne Bowmer
Jun 24 min read


Settling In: Aimee's First Month at JB Property Law
At JB Property Law, we believe that great client service starts with great people. That's why we're delighted to introduce Aimee, who recently joined us as a Consultant Property Lawyer. After her first month with the business, we caught up with her to learn more about her journey into property law, what attracted her to JB Property Law, and her ambitions for the future.
Joanne Bowmer
Jun 14 min read


Why the Forces Help to Buy deadline creates unique legal bottlenecks
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
Joanne Bowmer
May 293 min read


Building Safety Act Impact on Leasehold Properties: Challenges and Solutions
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.
Joanne Bowmer
May 144 min read


Honouring VE Day: Remembering Courage, Sacrifice and Community Spirit
Today, we pause to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. A moment in history that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during World War II.
Joanne Bowmer
May 81 min read


Armed Forces & Reserves Day 2026: UK Events and Cumbria Highlights
An overview of Armed Forces day events across the UK
Joanne Bowmer
May 74 min read


Standing Beside Those Who Serve: Why JB Property Law Supports the Entire Military Community
This is where our passion runs deepest. Too often, when people talk about Armed Forces conveyancing, the focus is placed solely on actively
Joanne Bowmer
May 53 min read


Buying a New-Build Home: What You Need to Know About Warranties, Snagging and Risks
Buying a New-Build Home: What You Need to Know About Warranties, Snagging and Risks
Joanne Bowmer
May 33 min read


Welcoming Aimee Summers to JB Property Law
JB property law welcomes Aimee Summers to its expanding firm.
Joanne Bowmer
May 12 min read


Welsh Guards Afghanistan Memorial Unveiling 2026 – Wrexham
Our Founder Joanne and her husband Ashley will attend a special event on Saturday 27 June 2026. The Welsh Guards community will come together in Wrexham for a deeply significant day of remembrance: the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Memorial Unveiling.
Joanne Bowmer
Apr 303 min read


A Personal Connection to the Military: Why JB Property Law Supports the Armed Forces
At JB Property Law, our commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces is both professional and deeply personal. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge that reflects not only our values as a business, but also our connection to the military community.
Joanne Bowmer
Apr 232 min read


Black Mould in Rental Properties: What Landlords Must Know Before 1st May
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
Joanne Bowmer
Apr 213 min read


Why the Forces Help to Buy 55% salary cap stops some mortgage approvals
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
Joanne Bowmer
Mar 304 min read


Understanding Permitted Development Rights for UK Properties
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
Joanne Bowmer
Mar 184 min read


Chain-free myths: Buying from a developer using Forces Help To Buy in 2026
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.
Joanne Bowmer
Mar 54 min read


Why a Trust Deed Could Save You Thousands When Buying Property Together
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.
Joanne Bowmer
Feb 183 min read


Why the LSAP to FHTB transition history still causes mortgage rejections
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
Joanne Bowmer
Feb 124 min read


Property Boundaries: A Practical Guide
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
Joanne Bowmer
Feb 22 min read
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