June 10

Guildford, the inheritance tax ‘capital’ of the UK

In tax year 2015/6 a total of 658 families living in Guildford, Surrey were subject to inheritance tax. This is more that anywhere else in the country. The average amount paid per family was £231,000. For a point of comparison, only 31 estates in Wigan (Greater Manchester) valuable enough to attract an inheritance tax (IHT) liability.

June 8

Is this the end of ‘no-fault’ evictions?

Evaluation of the Government’s proposal to repeal Section 21 of the Housing Act 1998

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Housing announced a ‘generational change’ to private renting in their report titled Overcoming the Barriers to Longer Tenancies in the Private Rented Sector. By repealing section 21 Housing Act 1998, this government would end so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions. This is a ‘significant step’ considering that the majority of landlords were against removing this type of eviction. Many landlords rely on the section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction as this usually provides a swifter outcome in the court than other avenues.

June 6

Will you be liable for Higher Rate Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on a second home?

From April 2016 onwards, those purchasing a second home as an investment property or holiday home have been liable for a higher rate of SDLT at 3%. In the recent Tribunal case of P N Bewley v Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) 2019 UK FTT 65, however, Mr and Mrs Bewley were exempted from the higher rate because the property was not habitable at the point of completion.

June 3

It’s Cupcake Day in Alton! Thursday 13th June 2019

Baking a difference

In the average time it takes to bake a batch of cakes, six people in the UK will develop dementia. It is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales, overtaking both cancer and heart disease.

Cupcake Day helps to fund pioneering research, crucial support services and vital care. Cupcake Day has raised £2.7 million since 2016 enabling the Alzheimer’s Society to continue to help anyone affected by dementia – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through.

April 25

Happy first anniversary to our Alton office

Happy first anniversary to our Alton office

Today marks exactly a year since the grand opening of our premises at 11 High Street, Alton.

We have been in Alton serving the legal needs of the local community since 2010. Over these 9 years our refreshingly friendly approach has attracted many new clients. Our move to central premises at the top of the town in April 2018 has further increased local awareness of who we are and what we do, and we have seen a big increase in the number of walk-in enquiries since the move.

April 24

Easter competition winner announced

Anyone passing our office in Alton High Street recently may have noticed the smartly dressed rabbit sitting in our window over the Easter holidays. The giant cuddly toy was the star attraction in our ‘name the bunny’ competition which was open to all and free to enter.