News & Insights

The Building Safety Act gained Royal Assent in April 2022 and has subsequently been brought into force through a raft of secondary legislation. Head of Construction, Sarah Rock explores the secondary legislation of The Building Safety Act that is coming in 2025 – including the much-anticipated Building Safety Levy, due to be enacted by Autumn 2025 and the effect of Building Assessment Certificates on conveyancing.

Enfranchisement reform continues with The UK Government’s white paper proposing a new commonhold model to replace leasehold, aiming to build confidence among developers, consumers, and lenders. Partners Naomi Heathcote and Simon Kerrigan report on the white paper.

In December 2024, the Government clarified HMRC’s VAT policy on cladding remediation works for residential buildings. Head of Construction, Sarah Rock and Tax Partner, Andrew Loan outline when remediation qualifies for reduced or zero-rated VAT as ‘snagging’ and when the standard 20% rate applies, as well as examining challenges in reclaiming VAT, particularly for older buildings, and the impact of the Government’s Remediation Action Plan on expediting safety improvements.

A consultation document published on 27 February now confirms how HMRC propose the Inheritance Tax allowance is to apply, particularly in relation to trusts. Hayden Bailey, Natasha Hassall and Emma Haley detail the key features impacting farms and businesses.

With the clock ticking towards the anticipated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) changes, Senior Associate, Sophie Henwood details why the UK’s commercial property landscape could face a seismic shift.

In the Law Society Gazette, Family Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst details the drive for transparency in the family court, along with the unintended consequences of having qualifying legal reporters and press in attendance.

In Property Wire, Partner and Head of Construction, Sarah Rock outlines the legislative landscape of fire safety regulations

In Professional Adviser, Partner, William Rollin and Senior Associate, Alexandra Hirst look detail the implications and financial negotiations which may be triggered by the VAT hike on school fees for separated couples.

Navigating the intricacies of the law when dealing with emotional family and children related matters can often feel overwhelming, with many myths and misconceptions clouding the process. At Boodle Hatfield, our team of experts understand the importance of clarity and accurate information during life’s most personal and challenging times. That’s why we’ve created our Family Law Mythbusters series—to address common misunderstandings. Senior Associate, Katie Male outlines the answer to the below myth.

Becoming a first-time investor in UK real estate is a multi-step process that requires a solid understanding of the legal, financial, and strategic considerations involved. To help navigate the process Charlie Hewlett, Sophie Henwood and Will Timbrell outline the key stages involved in acquiring your first investment property – from choosing the right investment vehicle to securing finance, understanding the legal timeline, and managing your property effectively.

Family law has long been shaped by societal norms and traditions. However, as societal norms evolve, so too does the landscape of marriage, divorce, and parenting. In the TL4 HNW Divorce Magazine, Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan looks at how, in today’s world, we are witnessing a fundamental shift in these dynamics, one that calls into question the legal frameworks that govern family life.

In Family Business United, Senior Associate, Laura Cullinane looks at the impending overhaul to BPR/APR, along with the impact on family business (and farming) operations, highlighting how now is a good time for business owners to be looking succession plans.

Pre-nuptial agreements (AKA pre-nups) only developed traction in the courts in 2010, but who are they for? Partner, William Rollin debunks a common misunderstandings when it comes to family and divorce law.

Family Partner and Mediator, Katie O’Callaghan details why it has never been a more prevalent time for mediators, with Courts not only actively encouraging parties to find ways to resolve disputes out of Court, but now expecting them to meaningfully engage in it.