United Kingdom: Real Estate and Construction

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced what he describes as the biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war era, backed by reforms to accelerate delivery and increase affordable housing stock. The proposals include greater support for councils to build on unused public land and changes to Right to Buy to ensure newly delivered council homes remain in public ownership.

The CMA has issued its first-ever fines against individuals for concealing evidence during a competition investigation, penalizing a construction firm and two employees £50,000 for hiding a phone and documents during a dawn raid. This landmark enforcement action signals a tougher stance on obstruction and comes just before enhanced penalty powers took effect under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

The Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government has released a consultation on four standard planning agreements designed to streamline the section 106 process for medium-sized developments. Local planning authorities have until 20 October 2026 to contribute their perspectives on these template documents, which include bilateral agreements, unilateral undertakings, and affordable housing schedules for both full and outline planning permissions.

Farrer & Co's Residential Property partners address five practical questions from industry professionals about common challenges in residential conveyancing, including lender red flags, title complications, site visit value, transaction delays, and the strategic use of indemnity insurance in property deals.

DMH Stallard’s Family Department is proud to announce a significant court victory in the recently published authority of KI v SI [2026] EWFC 73 (B), heard before District Judge Peter Hatvany in the Salisbury Financial Remedies Court.

When purchasing a property, discovering that it was previously gifted rather than sold can raise unexpected legal concerns. Understanding why conveyancers investigate these transactions at undervalue and how indemnity policies protect buyers from potential insolvency claims is essential for anyone navigating the property transfer process.

Owning a property in Spain often begins with excitement. A retirement plan, a family holiday home, an investment for the years ahead. Unfortunately, it is often only after someone dies that families discover owning property in another country creates legal and administrative issues they had never anticipated.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 has expanded liability for unlicensed HMO and selective licensing offences to include superior landlords and freeholders, not just immediate landlords. This article examines what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' defence and outlines practical steps freeholders should take to protect themselves from potential enforcement action and rent repayment orders.

Rebecca Lee shares her journey from law firm receptionist to qualified solicitor, discussing her passion for helping clients through life's most challenging moments in wills and probate work. She reflects on career highlights including managing a £4.2 million estate and her commitment to charitable fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced what he describes as the biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war era, backed by reforms to accelerate delivery and increase affordable housing stock. The proposals include greater support for councils to build on unused public land and changes to Right to Buy to ensure newly delivered council homes remain in public ownership.

Farrer & Co's Residential Property partners address five practical questions from industry professionals about common challenges in residential conveyancing, including lender red flags, title complications, site visit value, transaction delays, and the strategic use of indemnity insurance in property deals.

Winning a judgment against an individual is only half the battle—converting that legal victory into actual recovery requires understanding where wealth truly sits and how it can be accessed. From property holdings and offshore structures to bankruptcy proceedings and asset preservation, successful enforcement demands strategic thinking that goes far beyond the courtroom judgment.