Category: Legal & Process Guides

In mortgage and property transactions, ILA is usually required when someone is taking on a legal or financial responsibility and needs to understand the risks before signing.

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced new rules for private landlords and new rights for tenants in England. The changes apply mainly to private rented sector tenants with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. They will not usually apply to social housing tenants or lodgers.

Buying your business premises with a commercial mortgage may offer long-term control, stability and the chance to build equity. Renting may offer more flexibility and lower upfront commitment. The better option depends on your business cash flow, growth plans and long-term strategy.

TLDR A PEP check is a standard compliance check carried out by many UK mortgage lenders and brokers. PEP stands for Politically Exposed Person. It does not automatically mean your mortgage will be declined. It usually means the lender may ask more questions about identity, source of funds, or source of wealth as part of […]

A solicitor is required in most remortgages to handle the legal transfer of your mortgage from one lender to another. Many lenders offer “free legals” or a “cashback” option to cover these costs. Choosing the right option depends on your priorities: cost, speed, and control.

Your solicitor (or conveyancer) handles the legal side of your property purchase. They check ownership, review contracts, carry out searches, liaise with your lender, and ensure the property is legally transferred to you. Without this process, the transaction cannot complete.

Property searches are one of the most common causes of delays in the buying process. While some delays are outside your control, there are practical steps you can take to speed things up and avoid unnecessary hold-ups.

If you are buying with a mortgage, property searches are not optional. Lenders require them to assess risk. Cash buyers can technically skip some searches, but doing so carries significant risk and can lead to costly issues later.

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage after a divorce or separation. However, lenders will assess your affordability carefully, especially if you are still financially linked to a previous property or have ongoing commitments such as maintenance payments. With the right structure and timing, many clients can move forward successfully.

When buying a property, many buyers focus mainly on the deposit and mortgage payments. However, several additional costs are involved in purchasing a home in the UK. Planning for these expenses can help buyers avoid surprises during the process.