News & Insights - Boodle Hatfield

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News & Insights

Our team of experts shine a spotlight on new legal developments, share their views on the impact of current affairs, and offer insights on issues that could impact you and your business.

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15 May 2026 Understanding the ban on upwards-only reviews

What does the proposed ban on upwards only rent reviews mean for landlords and tenants? Partners, David Davies and Sophie Henwood, and Senior Associate, Kate Symons explore the key changes introduced by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, including when the ban will take effect, which leases it will apply to, how rent review provisions may need to be structured going forward, and the wider implications for lease negotiations and market practice.

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15 May 2026 Wait and LLC? Why UK residents are still taxed twice on US income

Double taxation on US LLC income remains an unresolved and increasingly pressing issue for UK residents. Private Wealth Partners, Laurence Morgan and Dom Rothbarth, and Senior Associate, Marie McCallum outline how conflicting UK and US tax treatments continue to drive unfair outcomes and why meaningful reform is now under scrutiny.

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13 May 2026 What is driving American interest in moving to the UK?

Why are high net worth Americans increasingly looking to the UK for relocation and new opportunities? Following on from her insight in the Luxury Collective white paper, Partner and Head of Immigration, Zoe Jacob writes in WealthBriefing, exploring the key lifestyle, political and tax drivers behind this growing trend, alongside what it means for those considering short and long term moves.

 

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13 May 2026 The Earned Settlement proposals – a unique opportunity for the tech sector

What do the Earned Settlement proposals mean for tech talent and hiring strategy? Partner and Head of Immigration, Zoe Jacob and Associate, Clemmie Smith outline how the shift to a contribution‑based model could reshape settlement timelines, costs and recruitment planning for the tech sector.

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08 May 2026 5 misconceptions around BPR changes and minority shareholders

Does retaining control really mean minority shareholders won’t change the way a business is run? In Accountancy Today, Private Wealth Senior Associate, James Woods‑Davison outlines five common misconceptions and explains how legal protections, governance, and dispute risks often challenge assumptions around control, confidentiality, and financial exposure once minority shareholders are introduced following the April 2026 BPR changes.

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06 May 2026 Hobby farms and tax: what you need to know

Tax Partner, Andrew Loan and Private Wealth Associate, Will Timbrell explore the realities behind owning a hobby farm and the tax considerations that often come with it.

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28 Apr 2026 Renters’ Rights Act: Key points for Landlords

As May fast approaches, landlords are facing one of the most significant shifts in the rental market in decades. The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce wide-ranging reforms, including changes to the assured shorthold tenancy regime and the introduction of a new assured periodic tenancy system. Partner, Colin Young and Senior Associate, Kate Symons outline the key changes and what they mean in practice.

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27 Apr 2026 Why policy certainty matters to growth‑focused entrepreneurs

In Startups Magazine, Private Wealth Partner, Dom Rothbarth considers why entrepreneurial ambition remains strong even as confidence in UK policy has weakened – and why certainty, more than generosity, is shaping where founders choose to invest, scale and build their businesses. He explores how tax, international mobility and long‑term policy direction are influencing these decisions.

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23 Apr 2026 Disclosure of Contractual Control Agreements: What you need to know

From April 2027, the draft Provision of Information (Contractual Control) (Registered Land) Regulations 2026 will introduce a new level of transparency around contractual control arrangements. Partner and Head of Real Estate, Andrew Wilmot-Smith and Senior Associate, Kate Symons explore what is changing, when it matters, and how to prepare.

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22 Apr 2026 Residence, real estate and the right to remain: UK immigration considerations for US nationals

Decisions about property and mobility are rarely just about place. Developed in collaboration with The Luxury Collective Global Advisory and Partner and Head of Immigration, Zoe Jacob, this white paper explores the legal and structural consequences of living in the UK for US nationals and examines how immigration frameworks intersect with wider family, tax and long‑term planning considerations.

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21 Apr 2026 Stolen art and rapid museum heists: why famous works still hold value

Why are high‑profile artworks still being stolen when they cannot be sold openly on the legitimate market? Fred Clark, Partner and Arts & Culture specialist, comments in the Financial Times on the rise of rapid museum heists and explains how stolen artworks can continue to retain value within criminal networks as collateral, leverage or trophy assets. He also explores the tension facing museums, whose open and public nature can leave even leading cultural institutions vulnerable.

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16 Apr 2026 Rethinking philanthropy in legacy planning

In the Spring 2026 issue of Family Office Magazine, Partner and Philanthropy Expert, Clare Stirzaker explores why philanthropy should be treated as a core part of succession and financial planning rather than an afterthought. The article highlights the importance of values‑led conversations, building trust with charitable organisations and balancing the growing demand for impact with the practical realities charities face.

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14 Apr 2026 Selling a £2m+ home: what to know about the new mansion tax surcharge

Partner and Head of Residential Property, Saskia Arthur writes in The Times Home Help on what homeowners selling property worth £2 million or more need to know about the upcoming mansion tax surcharge, and why valuations and timing still matter well ahead of 2028.

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14 Apr 2026 Funding the planning bottleneck: What the NHB–Richborough deal tells us about the future of land promotion

The recent announcement of the National Housing Bank/Richborough facility has attracted considerable attention. Partners, Neil Biswas and Aleem Khan examine how the funding works, how it addresses planning risk, and whether the model could be replicated for other land promoters.

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13 Apr 2026 Rethinking the “founder’s premium” for women

I recently came across an article from London Business School that offers a refreshing perspective on women’s entrepreneurship, challenging many of the traditional narratives that tend to dominate the discussion.

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13 Apr 2026 Competing for the future: the UK’s strategy to attract AI innovators

As global competition for AI expertise intensifies, the UK is refining its immigration framework to stay ahead. In The AI Journal, Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob examines how recent policy direction and visa reforms are strengthening the UK’s appeal to international AI talent, founders and fast‑growing tech businesses.

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10 Apr 2026 Cutting the IHT bill without losing control of your business

When does a smart tax move start to strain the way a business is run? In the Financial Times, Senior Associate, James Woods‑Davison looks at the practical realities behind using the expanded £2.5m BPR allowance. While reorganising shareholdings might ease future inheritance tax exposure, it can also reshape internal dynamics – from decision‑making to minority shareholder expectations – if governance and control aren’t firmly anchored.

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07 Apr 2026 Employment Rights Act 2025: guiding employers through change

The first wave of reforms is now live. While the immediate impact may feel limited to some employers, responsibility and exposure have shifted in several critical areas. The direction of travel is clear – and further changes are coming throughout 2026 and 2027. Senior Associate, Joanne Leach has set out the key updates taking effect from 6 April 2026 and shared her insights on what employers should be doing now to stay ahead of emerging risk.

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01 Apr 2026 Boodle Hatfield unveils 2026 promotions round

We are delighted to announce the promotion of two new Partners, Clare Pooley and Michael Duffy (Private Wealth) and five new Senior Associates, Alex Gamble and Jessica Woollard (Private Wealth), Emilie Bladon and Rosie Larwood (Litigation), and Nick Salmon (Property). Congratulations to all of our colleagues on this fantastic achievement. Their expertise, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional client service continue to strengthen our firm and the work we do.

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30 Mar 2026 How the 2026 carried interest reforms are reshaping tax, relocation, and matrimonial risk

With carried interest soon to fall fully under the trading income regime, private equity leaders face a very different strategic planning environment. In FT Adviser, Partners, Emily Brand, Rahul Thakrar and Dom Rothbarth outline how the revised rules interact with continuation vehicles, matrimonial planning, tax structuring and forward looking carry planning.