- BLOG & NEWS
Keeping you abreast of important everyday legal issues
This is where you can find some useful background information on a range of legal areas covered by KWW’s specialists. Please remember, the law has a habit of changing, so always check with us for the very latest legal position.
Buying a home for your retirement
The United Kingdom’s population is aging rapidly and, fortunately, higher living standards mean most of us will enjoy a long and active retirement. As we grow older our housing needs often change, and if you are approaching retirement you may have already started to think about your options. In this article, Enza Sole, a residential
Property, planning and paying for care
A common concern for our clients and their families is the prospect of having to sell the family home to meet care costs. Jack Haskew, head of the wills and probate team with KWW Solicitors in East Molesey, says: “There are many articles and schemes online which seem to indicate that selling a home can
Buying a home off plan: Key questions answered
Does the idea of a brand new home appeal to you? If so, you are not alone as the past two years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people buying off plan. Whether you are looking for your forever home, a retirement property, or a holiday hideaway, buying a home off plan
Transferring property to your children
Nearly every other first-time buyer receives some financial assistance from their parents. And the scale of that helping hand from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is staggering: something like £15 billion a year in the UK, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies. But cash gifts or mortgage support are not the only ways
Property fraud: Steps to protect yourself
A solid building, made of bricks and mortar, seems an unlikely target for thieves. For most of us our homes evoke a powerful sense of security; ‘safe as houses’ as the old saying goes. But the facts tell a different story, as there has been an exponential growth in property fraud which now accounts for
The knotty subject of Japanese knotweed
Furniture designer Jonathan Downing this week successfully sued the former owner of his house after discovering a large amount of Japanese knotweed in his garden. The previous owner of the property, not far from us over in Raynes Park, Surrey, was ordered by Central London County Court to pay damages plus Mr Downing’s legal costs.
Q&A: Local land charges
It takes between eight and 12 weeks on average to complete the purchase of a new home. Many factors determine how long the conveyancing process will take. However, solicitors frequently cite the local land charges search as a cause of delay. But what are local land charges, and why do they matter? Leanne Reid, a
When can a power of attorney take effect?
If you have been asked to act as an attorney for someone you may wonder when it will come into effect, especially if the power of attorney was made some time ago when your friend or relative was in good health. “There was an important change in 2007, and so the way that a power
Business planning and the importance of making a will
A will is an important part of everybody’s legal planning no matter your circumstances, but for anyone who is in business a well written will is vital to ensure the minimum disruption after your death. “Whether you are a sole practitioner, a partner in a partnership, or a director of a limited company, you need
Commercial leases: The 8 key stages
Entering into a commercial lease can be daunting for a business owner not used to the process, says our Head of Property Salv Sole. Here, Salv sets out the eight main stages you can expect to follow. 1. Negotiation and Agreement on Heads of Terms Where a property is marketed by commercial agents, they will
Equity release – how it works and how we can help
Equity release service provided by KWW Solicitors
How to avoid common delays in obtaining probate
Probate is a term which is loosely used to cover the administration of an estate, and it has a reputation for being a lengthy process. The administration includes a number of key stages, including obtaining the grant of probate, paying out to beneficiaries, and finalising the estate. Complications and delays can arise in each of
