If you own a leasehold property, on a day-to-day basis you may not notice any differences from owning a freehold. However, leasehold means you do not own your property outright, only the right to occupy it for a set number of years. Your property is therefore a depreciating asset. The difference between owning a leasehold property and a freehold [...]
A house which ‘thinks’ for itself, adapting the ambient temperature minute-by-minute, watering your plants while you are away, controlling access based on biometrics. That may seem like the stuff of science fiction or Grand Designs. However, many of us have already incorporated smart devices into our homes, from smart lights you control from your mobile phone to video doorbells. [...]
The first Labour budget for 14 years was the subject of much speculation in the press. But what has changed for homeowners, buyers and sellers? And is there anything property owners should do as a result? ‘There was a lot of hype surrounding the budget,’ agrees Cathal Murray, a solicitor with James McNulty & Co. ‘Whilst the impact on [...]
When selling your home, you may recall the expression ‘buyer beware’. But what does this mean and is it still relevant today? ‘Historically, the buyers in a conveyancing transaction have been responsible for satisfying themselves on a property’s suitability,’ explains Deirdre McSorley, residential property solicitor with James Mc Nulty & Co. ‘Nowadays though, the situation is more complex. There [...]
What is the registered charge on a property? If you take out a mortgage to buy your home, your lender will almost certainly register a charge against it at the Land Registry. The charge does not transfer ownership. However, it will give the lender important rights, including the ability to sell your home if you default on your loan. [...]
Shows like Channel 4’s Grand Designs reflect the growing popularity of self-build, which accounts for 13,000 new homes every year. So, if your dream is to build your own home, should you take the next step towards making it a reality? ‘There are certainly a lot of advantages’, says Cathal Murray of James McNulty & Co. Solicitors. ‘Self-build lets [...]
