News & Insights

Gateway Two delays are stalling higher-risk building projects by an average of 18–22 weeks, resulting in higher build costs than initially envisaged and potential significant financial losses due to the lack of use.

With the risk of further delays, spiralling costs and seemingly inevitable lengthy litigation, is it time to consider avoiding HRBs altogether?  Data from the British Property Federation suggests this may be the direction the sector is heading in, with a 14% decrease in homebuilding for Q1 2025.

Sarah Rock, Head of Construction, shares her thoughts in Building Magazine.

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024, which is likely to gain Royal Assent by September 2025 for implementation by early 2026, will have a significant impact on the current assured shorthold tenancy regime for both landlords and tenants.

There will be a transitional period to allow landlords and tenants to familiarise themselves with the new legal framework, however once in effect, the changes will apply retrospectively, governing both existing assured shorthold tenancies and new tenancies.

Landlords and tenants under an assured shorthold tenancy should be mindful of key changes, taking steps in the immediate months to review the terms and current tenancy agreements likely to continue under the new tenancy regime.

Colin Young and Kellie Jones, Litigation Partners, and Kate Symons, Residential Property Senior Associate, outline key changes to the Bill in their article

STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, has today launched a Responsible Stewardship Toolkit, a platform designed to guide families, their advisers and trust and estate practitioners with tools to incorporate responsible stewardship principles in trusts, wills and powers of attorney. Clare Stirzaker, Private Wealth Partner, Emma Haley, Legal Director and Sophie Harcourt, Private Wealth Associate, contributed to the Toolkit, alongside industry experts across the wealth planning, fiduciary and philanthropic sectors.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in the Financial Times on UK Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Standish v Standish.  She describes the decision as a “victory for pragmatism”, while also noting the potential for ambiguity in the application of the decision in more complex future cases.

In eprivateclient, Partner, Nicola Bushby explores the Law Commission’s Modernising Wills report, highlighting key proposals for reforming the law of wills, such as recognising electronic wills and adopting the test for capacity in lieu of the common law test. While progress is clear, concerns remain, especially around the rule revoking wills upon marriage.

This Wednesday at the TrinityBridge Investment Conference at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Partner William Rollin speaks on the topic of divorce risk, the basics of nuptial agreements, and case studies that bring these legal tools to life.

Managed offices are becoming a core part of landlord strategy, especially for spaces under 10,000 sq. ft. In a report recently produced by managed office operator, Kitt, and featured in Estates Gazette, Partner, David Rawlence highlights how legal frameworks are evolving to simplify and streamline leases to balance the interests of landlords, tenants, and operators together under one agreement.

The UK continues to be a key destination for Middle Eastern investors, drawn by its legal certainty, stable economy, and strong education system. In London Arabia Magazine, Partners, Shaima Jillood and Reem Al-Jumaily explore how Middle Eastern investors are moving beyond real estate into technology, hospitality, and F&B – shaping multigenerational legacies.

Delaying the Building Safety Levy by 18 months may offer temporary relief, but it does little to ease the wider pressures already burdening the housing sector. In Construction News, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock, highlights the significant cost and administrative challenges developers are facing – warning that the levy “provides yet another financial and administrative hurdle” and questioning how many will be willing to take on residential schemes in future.

Partner and Head of Family, Emily Brand comments in Money Marketing highlighting the vital role female financial advisers play in supporting women through complex life events as female wealth ownership continues to rise.

Private Wealth Partners, Kyra Motley and Laurence Morgan explain the concept of long-term UK residence and its significance for UK inheritance tax (IHT) following the shift away from the domicile-based system, introducing new considerations for individuals and trustees.

Delays at Gateway Two of the Building Safety Act are creating major roadblocks for developers – with stalled schemes, falling investment, and widespread job losses. In Property Week, Construction Partner, Sarah Rock highlights the serious impact these delays are having on the housing crisis and the construction industry, calling for urgent reform, greater transparency, and more meaningful engagement from the Building Safety Regulator.