Valueconveyancing

Saturday, 4 February 2017

Boost for sole practitioners as HSBC raises conveyancing threshold

early five years after the Law Society successfully campaigned for HSBC to expand its conveyancing panel to include all firms accredited under Chancery Lane’s specialist kitemark, the High Street lender has raised the mortgage threshold for sole practitioners who can act for the bank and borrowers.
HSBC has announced that it will increase the loan threshold imposed on sole practitioners registered under the Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) from £150,000 to £350,000.
HSBC’s head of secured lending, Tracie Pearce, said the bank’s decision would provider ‘greater choice and flexibility’ for customers and cut homebuying costs.
The Society welcomed the change, which came into force today. Robert Bourns, president, said: ‘The CQS accreditation marks a solicitor’s commitment to maintaining the highest standard of skill and service, and the value solicitors bring to an often complex deal.
‘HSBC’s decision shows that those dealing with conveyancers know that when a solicitor is CQS-accredited they can be relied upon to be at the top of their game. It is a welcome change that will benefit both solicitors and their clients.’
In 2012 HSBC agreed to amend its conveyancing approach to enable all CQS-accredited solicitors to act for HSBC and its mortgage customers, following a four-month campaign by the Society. CQS-accredited sole practitioners were able to handle all cases with mortgage values up to £150,000.
Previously only firms on HSBC’s managed panel of conveyancers were able to act for the borrower and lender, with all other firms able to act for the borrower only.
Under HSBC’s conveyancing system, those applying for a HSBC mortgage have three options when seeking a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. They can choose:

A solicitor firm or licensed conveyancer on its managed panel;
A CQS-accredited solicitor firm or licensed conveyancer who can act for the homebuyer and the lender; or
A solicitor or licensed conveyancer who is able to act for the mortgagor but not HSBC, which would cost £295 including VAT in addition to the chosen firm’s fees.

The Sole Practitioners Group was 'delighted' with HSBC's announcement. Chair Kemi Mosaku said: 'Everyone should have access to independent legal advice from a solicitor of their choice and, of course, we welcome any initiative on the part of lenders which widens consumer choice.
'Obtaining CQS accreditation requires solicitors to have stringent procedures in place and the public and indeed banks can thus rest assured that they are getting advice from experts.'
Mosaku urged other lenders to follow suit by increasing mortgage lending limits in the same way.

Tuesday, 3 January 2017

Ombudsman warns of dangers from ‘conveyancing factories’

Conveyancing factories’ pose a potential risk for housebuyers, the chief ombudsman warns today, saying he is braced for more complaints about services.
A report, ‘Losing the Plot – residential conveyancing complaints and their causes’, says that despite the fall in house sales, residential conveyancing accounted for 17.5% of the 7,500 complaints handled by the ombudsman’s office in the past year, making it the second most complained-about area of law after family.
Adam Sampson, the ombudsman, says: ‘I want to show lawyers the emotional consequences of poor service, which can be devastating, in the hope that we can reduce the amount of complaints in this area.’
The report says that with the drop in volume of work, lawyers should be giving priority to quality. ‘In a market where business is already on the wane, they should be doing everything they can to preserve and enhance their reputations.’
However, the report says that poor-quality legal services are making homebuying more stressful.
Fees higher than the amount quoted, delays and a failure to provide adequate advice or follow instructions are the most common reasons for complaint.
Sampson says the ‘increasingly commoditised automated and competitive’ conveyancing market has resulted in traditional high street firms evolving or being displaced into ‘conveyancing factories’.
Services provided by such operations, where transactions can be handled online or where prices can be fixed from the outset under ‘fixed fee’ or ‘no-move, no-fee’ agreements, come in for particular criticism.
The report acknowledges that such innovative services can be helpful, but warns they are ‘not without risk’. It voices concern that by focusing exclusively on volume, some firms risk failing to provide a reasonable service.
With the arrival of alternative business structures, which allow non-lawyers to manage law firms, the ombudsman says ‘we are bracing ourselves for an increase in automated transactions and fixed-price deals’, which ‘may mean more residential conveyancing complaints’.
Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said the volume of complaints should be put in perspective. 'There are, on average, more than 675,000 property transactions a year. We are talking about 1,300 complaints on conveyancing to the LeO in a year. My point is that the vast majority of solicitors do a good job when it comes to conveyancing.
'However, there is clearly more that can be done to improve the whole conveyancing process from the consumer’s point of view. This is a challenge that those involved in the conveyancing process need to look at, not only those that are subject to the ombudsman’s complaints process - solicitors. We will be working with our Conveyancing Quality Scheme members to improve service standards.'

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Stirling Ackroyd Comments on Today’s UK ONS HPI (13.12.16) - See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

“House prices in London are beginning to cool as we head into winter, with Stamp Duty continuing to freeze up the top end of the market while those lower down the chain are feeling the chill from our frosty relationship with Europe. The Capital’s house values have slowed to the pace of the rest of England, as demand for homes in commuter towns in the East and South East are pushing up property prices in these regions.
“In London, we’re now seeing a tale of two cities. Prime Central London is witnessing a decline in values as the punishing top rate of Stamp Duty is halting demand for homes in areas like Fulham and Chelsea. This has caused the Capital’s average house price to fall month-on-month. However, in zone two and the outer boroughs, house price growth is holding as buyers prioritise value for money. The spur in new developments and infrastructure in Tower Hamlets have given the borough double-digit house price growth year-on-year.
“It’s encouraging that a lot of demand for homes in London is coming from first-time buyers, aided by the Governments’ Help to Buy programme. With low borrowing costs, many aspirational homes owners are now sizing the opportunity to get their first foot on the ladder. Yet, there may be storm clouds on the horizon as demand from buy-to-let investors is falling due to the stamp duty surcharge, the end of tax relief on mortgages and tightened rules on buy to let lending. This may lead to higher rents in the New Year as demand for rental properties continues to grow while supply stagnates. It’s also noticeable that in boroughs where the average property price falls into the second highest Stamp Duty bracket, values are falling. First-time buyers are also being held back by stamp duty, which is a huge burden on top of saving for a deposit. This is a clear failure of the policy as it hinders the help the Government provides through Help to Buy. Hopefully, the Government will consider reforming the policy in their new White Paper.”

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

Average house prices in the UK have increased by 6.9% in the year to October 2016 (down from 7.0% in the year to September 2016)

Annual price change of a property in England was 7.4%

On a regional basis, London continues to be the region with the highest average house price at £474,000

The East of England is the region which showed the highest annual growth, with prices increasing by 12.3% in the year to October 2016

Growth in the South East was second highest at 9.1%, followed by London at 7.7%.

In London, house prices have fallen 1.2% from last month, but are up 7.7% annually

Tower Hamlets has seen 14.4% growth year-on-year

Kensington And Chelsea has seen a 4.9% decline annually

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-house-price-index-summary-october-2016
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-house-price-index-england-october-2016/uk-house-price-index-england-october-2016

Kindly shared by Stirling Ackroyd

- See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

Average house prices in the UK have increased by 6.9% in the year to October 2016 (down from 7.0% in the year to September 2016)

Annual price change of a property in England was 7.4%

On a regional basis, London continues to be the region with the highest average house price at £474,000

The East of England is the region which showed the highest annual growth, with prices increasing by 12.3% in the year to October 2016

Growth in the South East was second highest at 9.1%, followed by London at 7.7%.

In London, house prices have fallen 1.2% from last month, but are up 7.7% annually

Tower Hamlets has seen 14.4% growth year-on-year

Kensington And Chelsea has seen a 4.9% decline annually

Kindly shared by Stirling Ackroyd

- See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

Average house prices in the UK have increased by 6.9% in the year to October 2016 (down from 7.0% in the year to September 2016)

Annual price change of a property in England was 7.4%

On a regional basis, London continues to be the region with the highest average house price at £474,000

The East of England is the region which showed the highest annual growth, with prices increasing by 12.3% in the year to October 2016

Growth in the South East was second highest at 9.1%, followed by London at 7.7%.

In London, house prices have fallen 1.2% from last month, but are up 7.7% annually

Tower Hamlets has seen 14.4% growth year-on-year

Kensington And Chelsea has seen a 4.9% decline annually

Kindly shared by Stirling Ackroyd

- See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

Average house prices in the UK have increased by 6.9% in the year to October 2016 (down from 7.0% in the year to September 2016)

Annual price change of a property in England was 7.4%

On a regional basis, London continues to be the region with the highest average house price at £474,000

The East of England is the region which showed the highest annual growth, with prices increasing by 12.3% in the year to October 2016

Growth in the South East was second highest at 9.1%, followed by London at 7.7%.

In London, house prices have fallen 1.2% from last month, but are up 7.7% annually

Tower Hamlets has seen 14.4% growth year-on-year

Kensington And Chelsea has seen a 4.9% decline annually

Kindly shared by Stirling Ackroyd

- See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

“Elementary!” say conveyancers at the Land Registry’s lack of trust

Placing a form A restriction upon a title if a conveyancer neglected to indicate the exact nature of the tenancy at the point of registration, has been the well-established default practice of the Land Registry. The automatic procedure which once usually involved ticking the relevant box on the transfer, may have now have come back to the detriment of conveyancers.
This is largely down to trusts that may or may not be relevant to the title and the Registry’s eagerness to concern itself with them. Around the early 1990s such trusts provided little interest to the Registry. Should the resulting transaction be taken out by fewer than two transferors, a court order is needed by the restriction.
Had this transfer been undertaken by the original two individuals who brought about the restriction, the process would be made a lot less difficult for conveyancers as well as the Registry itself. This would mean the original form A restriction would be overridden – unless there is an application for it to be retained – which should be removed simultaneously.
Currently, the procedure to clear a form A restriction seems complex, and arguably relying on conveyancers to become something “akin to Sherlock Holmes” according to Maidenhead based solicitor, Peter Mason-Apps. The restriction which may have been left by a transferor unable to be traced or a closed conveyancing firm can lead to difficulties Mason-Apps contests, with the matter being one for the original transferring trustees as opposed to the Registry. Presently it is the conveyancer being left with the responsibility of administering sufficient detective skills in order to provide the Registry with the certificate or obtain and complete ST5. Considering the often long period of time which has elapsed however, it may be arguable that observation of the trust should be left instead in the hands of the trustees and free the conveyancer of this seemingly unnecessary burden.

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

£7,500 raised at this year’s LFS Awards

Delegates showed their generosity at this year’s LFS Awards during fundraising for the two worthy causes.

Around £7,500 was raised for the charities, Prostate Cancer UK and The Children’s Hospital Charity, after some great battles during the auction and fantastic prizes won for the raffle.
It was also a successful night for many of the evening’s guests, with a number of firms winning multiple awards throughout the night.
The official Judges’ Report has also been released, with much praise being given to the entrants.
You can now register to enter the LFS Awards 2017 – please contact the team for more information.
North West Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Napthens Solicitors

Highly Commended: Birchall Blackburn

Winner: PLS Solicitors

Yorkshire & North East Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Switalskis Solicitors

Highly Commended: Humble & Clark Legal

Winner: Harrowells Ltd Solicitors

Wales & West Midlands Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Shakespeare Martineau

Highly Commended: Quality Solicitors Davisons

Winner: Howells Legal

East Midlands Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Fraser Brown

Highly Commended: Fidler & Pepper Solicitors

Winner: John M Lewis

South & South West Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Coffin Mew LLP

Highly Commended: Bright LLP Solicitors

Winner: Thomas Legal Group

London & South East Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Quality Solicitors Martin Tolhurst

Highly Commended: Downs Solicitors LLP

Winner: AV Rillo

Direct Conveyancer of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: My Home Move

Highly Commended: Conveyancing Direct Ltd

Winner: Howells Solicitors

Small Conveyancing Firm (North) of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Go Convey

Highly Commended: Quality Solicitors Mander Cruickshank

Winner: Valerie Holmes Property Lawyers

Small Conveyancing Firm (South) of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Saracens Solicitors

Highly Commended: Bright LLP

Winner: Hedges Law

Young Conveyancer of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Shaun Anderton, Total Conveyancing Services

Highly Commended: Laura Preston, Talbots Law

Highly Commended: Naveen Vera Palram, Stratega

Winner: Jack Medlicott, PLS Solicitors

Website and Use of Social Media Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2016

Highly Commended: Eric Robinson

Highly Commended: My Home Move

Winner: Stephensons

Lender of the Year 2016

Winner Bronze: Lloyds

Winner Silver: Nationwide

Winner Gold: Santander

Overall Conveyancer of the Year 2016

Winner Bronze: PLS Solicitors

Winner Silver: AV Rillo

Winner Gold: Howells Solicitors

Monday, 1 August 2016

Number of transactions liable for SDLT rises 10 percent year on year

The number of property transactions liable for stamp duty in the second quarter of 2016 was 10% higher than in 2015.
For those under £250,000 the number liable rose 8% with those between £250,000 and £500,000 rising 12%. For those over £500,000 was 18% higher than the second quarter of 2015.
On a quarter to quarter basis, the number of properties liable for the charge wast just 1% higher overall than in the first three months of the year. For transactions worth less than £250,000 the rise was 6%. For the £250,000 to £500,000 bracket the number actually declined 2%, with those worth over £500,000 declining by 9%.
The number of non-liable transactions in Quarter 2 of 2016 was 21% lower than the previous quarter, and 18% lower than Quarter 2 of 2015.
According to HMRC, the drop in non-liable transactions in Quarter 2 of 2016 is associated with the introduction of higher rates for additional properties in April 2016. The increase in rates has led to additional properties sold for under £125,000 becoming liable for SDLT.
Andrew Bridges, managing director of Stirling Ackroyd said: “Just a couple of months down the line from April’s stamp duty surcharge and the first results are in. The volume of properties sold keeps growing – and it’s at the lower-end of the market where momentum is at its highest. It may be too early to call but it seems the government’s changes aren’t off-putting buyers from snapping up those additional properties.
“But raising stamp duty is a risky business. Buyers may have been able to grab second properties amid Brexit and economic uncertainty with sellers having to settle for lower prices. However at the top end of the market, buyers are looking scared and many are reluctant to shoulder the extra cost. It seems buy to let investors are still primarily competing with first time buyers for lower value properties. As we enter a post-Brexit property market, the government may have to look again at the surcharge and assess whether it is helping or hindering the market.”

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Arboriculture

rom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An arborist practicing arboriculture: using a chainsaw to fell a eucalyptus tree in a park at Kallista, Victoria.

Arboriculture /ˈɑːrbərᵻkʌltʃər/ is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an 'arborist' or an 'arboriculturist'. A 'tree surgeon' is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of human beings. It falls under the general umbrella of horticulture.

Notes

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (March 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

References

Harris, Richard W. (1983). Arboriculture: Care of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in the Landscape. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632: Prentice-Hall, Inc. pp. 2–3. ISBN 0-13-043935-5.
"arboriculture". Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Merriam-Webster.
"arboriculture". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2007.
"arboriculture". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Online. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000.

External links

Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article Arboriculture.

Arboriculture Australia Australia
Arboricultural Association UK
International Society of Arboriculture (USA)
European Arboricultural Council
BatsandTrees.com Promoting the importance of British trees to bats
Institute of Chartered Foresters The UK based Chartered body for forestry and arboricultural professionals
American Forests Urban forestry resources
Encyclopædia Britannica
"Arboriculture". Encyclopedia Americana. 1920.

[show] v t e Horticulture and gardening

[show] v t e Forestry

Authority control	GND: 4112676-2

Categories:

Valueconveyancing

Saturday, 4 February 2017

Boost for sole practitioners as HSBC raises conveyancing threshold

Tuesday, 3 January 2017

Ombudsman warns of dangers from ‘conveyancing factories’

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Stirling Ackroyd Comments on Today’s UK ONS HPI (13.12.16) - See more at: http://insideconveyancing.co.uk/content/stirlingackroydcommentsontodaysukonshpi#sthash.gbXnSzkV.dpuf

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

ONS UK House Price Index – October 2016

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

“Elementary!” say conveyancers at the Land Registry’s lack of trust

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

£7,500 raised at this year’s LFS Awards

Monday, 1 August 2016

Number of transactions liable for SDLT rises 10 percent year on year

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Arboriculture

Contents

See also

Notes

References

External links

Navigation menu

Interaction

Tools

Print/export

In other projects

Languages