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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29 Jan 2026 Gateway 2: Will 2026 bring the clarity the sector needs?

In Planning in London, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock explores how ongoing reforms to the Building Safety Regulator aim to resolve the severe delays and rising costs caused by the Gateway 2 approval process – delays that have left many high‑rise projects stalled across the country. While the safety rationale behind the Gateways remains essential, Sarah highlights that only clearer guidance, improved communication, and a more efficient review process will unlock progress and support much‑needed housing delivery.

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28 Jan 2026 Leaving a lasting impact: The adviser’s role in guiding clients toward meaningful legacies

In her guest blog for Remember A Charity, Private Wealth Partner Clare Stirzaker reflects on how philanthropy is becoming an increasingly thoughtful part of wealth planning. She shows how advisers now help clients frame their values and long‑term intentions, moving beyond a purely technical approach. Clare also emphasises that impactful giving relies on coordinated thinking across the advisory landscape, where legal, financial and investment professionals work together to support clients in shaping purposeful, well‑rounded legacy plans.

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27 Jan 2026 Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What landlords need to know about the new requirements

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will take effect on 1 May 2026, introducing new requirements for landlords in England. One major change is the obligation to give tenants specific written information about their tenancy. With final regulations due in March 2026, the Government’s draft guidance offers an early look at what landlords will need to prepare for. Senior Associate, Kate Symons summarises what must be provided to existing tenants and new tenancies from May 2026.

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23 Jan 2026 Start, scale and stay – is the Government really backing entrepreneurs?

In a recent FT Adviser article, Hayden Bailey considers whether the Government’s ambition to help businesses start, scale and stay in the UK is being effectively supported by current policy. While the importance of

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22 Jan 2026 Divorce means conflict – and separate lawyers

Is divorce always a battle requiring two separate lawyers? Family Partner, William Rollin explores why that common assumption isn’t always true and how Resolution Together offers couples a calmer, more constructive route when separating. This joint‑advice model allows one specially trained solicitor to support both parties with clear, consistent legal guidance, helping them reach fair and informed decisions without unnecessary conflict.

 

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21 Jan 2026 Beyond the pitch: strengthening women’s football through strategic infrastructure investment

As investment in the Women’s Super League accelerates, the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Writing in City AM, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock explores how regional stadiums, designed around the women’s game and its fans, could offer a scalable solution for clubs, supporters and investors alike.

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20 Jan 2026 From California to the Cotswolds: why Americans are investing in UK property

From California to the Cotswolds, more Americans are choosing to move to or invest in the UK. Motivations are shifting as investors seek diversification and families look for a different quality of life. However, a transatlantic move brings practical considerations, from tax and residency rules to immigration requirements and property differences. Partners Saskia Arthur, Edward Allan and Zoe Jacob explore what is drawing Americans to the UK and the key steps to prepare.

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06 Jan 2026 The Government’s ‘Earned Settlement’ consultation: Your questions answered

On 20 November 2025, the Government opened their public consultation on reforms to the qualification period for settlement in the UK (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain). The consultation runs for 12 weeks and

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06 Jan 2026 Confirmation of £2.5m IHT relief threshold for farmers and businesses

The Finance Bill published yesterday confirms that, as we highlighted in our 23 December briefing, the increased £2.5m inheritance tax relief for agricultural and business property will apply from 6 April 2026. Qualifying ‘relevant property’ trusts can also benefit from 100% relief up to this threshold, aligning trustee allowances with individual transfers.

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23 Dec 2025 Budget 2025 – What did the Budget mean for entrepreneurs?

The November Budget was something of a mixed bag for entrepreneurs – some good and some bad.  Following a plethora of pre-Budget rumours, some of the most important developments were measures which did not in

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23 Dec 2025 Breaking news on IHT reform

In a welcome announcement for farmers and business owners, the government has confirmed an increase to the 100% IHT relief allowance to £2.5m per person from April 2026. Partner and Head of Private Wealth, Hayden Bailey and Legal Director, Emma Haley comment on what this means in practice and stress that now may be the right time to review wills and succession planning.

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10 Dec 2025 Five key proposals left out of the UK Budget – and what it means

What is missing from the Autumn Budget and what might this signal about the Government’s direction of travel? No wealth tax. No exit tax. Limited inheritance tax reform. Few incentives for entrepreneurs. Hayden Bailey, Partner & Head of Private Wealth shares his perspective on what these could mean for families, globally mobile individuals and business owners.

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04 Dec 2025 Mansion tax: High-value homes and higher bills

Behind the headlines of the Autumn Budget lies a significant change for high-value residential properties: the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge (‘mansion tax’). Partners, Saskia Arthur and Andrew Loan break down what this means for property owners and why it matters.

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01 Dec 2025 Redundancy in tech: understanding your visa options

Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob speaks on redundancy in the tech sector and highlights why recent rule changes make this a critical moment to plan ahead by futureproofing your position and exploring your options.

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26 Nov 2025 UK Autumn Budget 2025: First reactions

After weeks of speculation and leaks, the Chancellor’s Budget focused on “stability” rather than sweeping reform. Our team explores the key tax measures, their timing and what they mean for individuals and families – from income tax freezes to pension changes and property considerations.

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19 Nov 2025 Renters’ Rights Act: Countdown to 1 May 2026

Renters’ Rights Act (Phase 1) comes into force on 1 May 2026, applying to both existing and new assured and assured shorthold tenancies. The pre-implementation period offers an opportunity to prepare for this new regime. Partners, Kellie Jones and Colin Young, and Senior Associate, Kate Symons share their insights on what these changes mean and how you can get ahead.

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05 Nov 2025 Navigating the special relationship: Traps and pitfalls for US persons in the UK

Moving to the UK as a US citizen or Green Card holder? The UK and US tax systems don’t always align and that can create unexpected challenges. From trusts and LLCs to property and inheritance tax, Partner, Laurence Morgan and Associate, Alex Gamble outline the key UK tax considerations and why early, joined-up advice is essential.

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04 Nov 2025 British expats: A new era of tax planning?

What do the upcoming changes to the UK’s non-dom regime mean for British expats? Partner, Julie Howard and Senior Associate, Jenny Wilson-Smith share their insights on the new planning opportunities introduced by recent changes to the IHT rules and the new four-year regime for returning UK residents.

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30 Oct 2025 Diversification and family businesses: current trends

"Diversification is the only free lunch in investing"

The above quote from Nobel Prize winning economist Harry Markowitz is a staple of financial advice. No credible wealth manager would suggest an

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29 Oct 2025 Renters’ Rights Act in force but not yet implemented

What will the changes to the Renters’ Rights Act mean for landlords and tenants? From the end of fixed-term tenancies to tighter possession rules, the new regime will reshape the rental landscape. With implementation still pending, landlords have limited time to understand what is changing and plan ahead. Insight from Partners, Kellie Jones and Colin Young and Senior Associate, Kate Symons.