From 18 May 2021 there will be an increase in the Court fee payable for the issue of an online possession claim through the possession claims online portal.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher has announced that a new National Model Design Code (NMDC) is being tested to make sure new developments are well-designed, fit in with local character and are locally-led.

The proposed design of a new tax on the largest residential property developers set to raise at least £2 billion to help contribute to the cost of cladding remediation work was announced by the government. Ministers announced the new tax in February as part of a £5 billion package of remediation of unsafe cladding on high-rise residential buildings, alongside wider support.

For many homebuyers, the idea of building your own home may seem an unrealistic prospect. Difficulties obtaining mortgage finance and a lack of funds for upfront costs mean that perhaps in the past this has been an option limited to wealthier buyers.

Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) where an independent person, the mediator, helps both sides of a dispute come to an agreement. 

With Homes England opening bidding for new strategic partnerships as part of the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme (2021-2026), it is a pivotal time for affordable housing providers planning their development programmes for the next 5 years. Bidders have until noon on 18 May 2021 to submit their proposal online.

Stephen Burtchaell, head of our Affordable Housing team, gives an update on the latest Housing laws.

Yesterday, the government released their own Reactivation Notice.  Also yesterday, the Master of the Rolls (the most senior judge in England), released the final version of the guidance to courts on how possession proceedings will resume and be conducted following the lifting of the stay.

With the stay in possession proceedings ending on 24 August 2020 there is renewed uncertainty for the future.

Rural communities have felt the impact of Coronavirus and lockdown often more dramatically than more urbanised areas. With local businesses being the main focus point for employment and community, the loss of income and closing of them has hit local people the hardest.

Nearly two decades after the technology was approved in legislation, HM Land Registry has revealed plans to accept digital signatures to execute deeds.

Now, more than ever, it is vital that the progress made into tackling housing requirements is maintained as the effects of Coronavirus will likely have left more people in housing need.