United Kingdom: Real Estate and Construction

The decision in Crest Nicholson v Ardmore represents a significant development in the application of the Building Safety Act 2022 (“BSA”), in particular the Court’s approach to Building Liability Orders (“BLOs”) under section 130. It is the first detailed consideration of the “just and equitable” test in this context and only the second reported instance of the High Court granting such an order.

Retention payments, where a percentage of the contract sum is withheld until completion and rectification of defects, have long been a source of cashflow pressure and, ultimately disputes across the construction supply chain.

Principal Associate Natalie Barton-Howes and Associate Brett Mason examine the Building Safety Regulator's enforcement powers, current priorities, and major reforms reshaping the regulatory landscape. The discussion explores the regulator's enforcement toolkit and how it's being used to drive higher standards and improve accountability across the construction industry.

Where UK property is held through an offshore company, the dissolution of that company can create serious title problems. Around 100,000 properties in England and Wales are held through offshore companies.

When buying or selling a property, it can be tempting to choose the cheapest conveyancing quote available. In a competitive market, low-cost providers often advertise attractive fixed fees and promises of a quick service.

The Provision of Information (Contractual Controls) (Registered Land) Regulations 2026 (the “Regulations”) will come into force on 6 April 2027.

Lizzie Egan interviews Aidan Faik, senior private banker and head of landed estates at Weatherbys Private Bank, exploring current trends in rural property finance, from residential portfolio challenges and holiday let opportunities to the complexities of trust structures and biodiversity net gain projects. The conversation examines how Basel 3.1 regulations will fundamentally reshape lending terms for estate owners, and why understanding the residential versus commercial classification of property has becom

A House of Commons Committee Report "Government's vision for farming" published on Friday calls for an extended timetable to implement the changes to Agricultural Property Relief...

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Battram to Partner in our Residential Property department.

Principal Associate Natalie Barton-Howes and Associate Brett Mason examine the Building Safety Regulator's enforcement powers, current priorities, and major reforms reshaping the regulatory landscape. The discussion explores the regulator's enforcement toolkit and how it's being used to drive higher standards and improve accountability across the construction industry.

In reality, listed building protection is much broader than many owners realise. While eye-catching exteriors often grab the attention, the legal protection will extend to the whole building, including its interior.

July’s Dispatch looks at final dates for payment, final accounts and the meaning of conclusivity.