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advance on your salary, lenders view it as a debt, and the legal work must bridge that gap to ensure your offer isn't withdrawn during the conveyancing process.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.

We are now closed until 10am 5th January 2026 We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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.

You Can't Turn Off Your Phone's Camera Sound in South Korea As a response to a hidden camera crisis in subways, the South Korean government banned the silencing of phone cameras when taking pictures. This means that if you buy a phone in the country, you will be unable to turn off the shutter sound. This law also exists in Japan. Finnish Taxi Drivers Must Pay Royalty Fees for Songs They Play in Their Cars Whenever you get into a cab, it's normal for the taxi driver to be list

We are delighted to share some exciting news with our clients, colleagues, and community. JB Property Law has been recognised at the SME UK Legal Awards 2025, receiving not one, but two prestigious awards. Best Conveyancing Firm 2025 – Cumbria Client Service Excellence Award 2025 These awards are a significant milestone for our firm and a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and care we bring to every client we serve. A Commitment to Excellence in Conveyancing Winni

Billboards Are Not Wanted in Hawaii Billboard advertising is not allowed in the state of Hawaii. Only directional, real estate and landmark signs are allowed. One provision: You can have a billboard if it's on your own property. It's Illegal to Wrestle a Bear in South Africa Not that South Africa has bears, but if it did, it would be illegal to wrestle with them. Don't Hang Your Dirty Laundry in Public in Trinidad and Tobago Keep your dirty laundry to yourself in the islands

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

We are proud to be associated with a brand-new initiative to improve the experience of home movers and professionals involved in the home moving process. The Conveyancing Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of National Conveyancing Week 2025! With support from over 500 law firms across the profession, NCW 2025 will bring together all stakeholders across the property industry to advocate, inspire and promote the vital role conveyancers play in the home moving proces

Are you in need of advice or quotes for property-related legal matters? Look no further than a reputable property law business in your local area. With expertise in the field for over 20 years, they stand out from the competition by offering personalized services tailored to your needs. One of the unique selling points of this local property lawyer is their convenient out-of-hours appointments. This flexibility ensures that clients with busy schedules can still receive expert

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.

We are now closed until 10am 6th January 2025. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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.

When it comes to property law services, experience matters. That's why JB Property Law stands out from the crowd with over 20 years of trusted expertise in the field. Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing a property, having a seasoned professional by your side can make all the difference. With JB Property Law, you can rest assured that your legal needs are in good hands. One of the key differentiators for JB Property Law is their commitment to being a local lawyer. This

You Must Beat a Drum to Warn of Locusts in India In the event of a locust invasion in India, a male 14 and older must do everything possible to prevent and stop the destruction of the locusts. Those who live 5 miles or more from the place where the invasion is occurring must announce it by beating on a drum or another method that alerts the town. It's Illegal to Toss Plastic Confetti in Mobile, Alabama Not only can you not toss confetti in Mobile, Alabama, but it is illegal t

It's Illegal for Your Chicken to Cross the Road in Georgia Yep, that's right! In an effort to encourage people to keep their chickens under control, there is a statute in Quitman, Georgia, that says you can be fined if your chicken should get loose. This means it cannot cross the road to get to the other side. You Must Walk Your Dog 3 Times Daily in Turin, Italy If you do not walk your dog at least three times per day in Turin, Italy, be prepared to face a fine up to 500 euro

The Early Days: A Personal Story Joanne's passion for law ignited at a young age when she realized the impact of having a good lawyer has on people's lives. After years of dedication and perseverance, she established her own legal consultancy firm specializing in property law in the heart of the Lake District in rural Cumbria. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure! The Turning Point: Business Rebrand In a competitive industry like