by Saqib Khan | Jul 31, 2025 | Business, Conveyancing, Landlord and Tenant Law
Buying a house is one of the most significant financial commitments you will ever make. Most people focus on the two main figures: the deposit and the mortgage. However, these are just the beginning. The truth is, there are a number of essential “hidden” costs that can quickly add up, and failing to budget for them can derail your plans.
At KhanMather Solicitors, we believe in being transparent with our clients from the start. Here’s a guide to the key costs you need to budget for beyond the price of the property itself.
- Conveyancing Fees
This is the legal work required to transfer the property from the seller to you. It’s a non-negotiable expense. Your conveyancing fees will be broken down into two parts:
- Legal Fees: This is the cost for your solicitor’s time and expertise, covering everything from drawing up contracts to dealing with the Land Registry. The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the sale (for example, a leasehold property is more involved than a freehold one).
- Disbursements: These are the third-party costs that your solicitor pays on your behalf. They include all the essential conveyancing searches we discussed in a previous blog post, as well as the fees for the Land Registry to officially register you as the new owner.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
This is a government tax that you must pay when you buy a property or land in England and Northern Ireland over a certain price threshold. The amount you pay depends on the property’s value and whether you are a first-time buyer, a home mover, or buying a second property.
It’s a “slice” tax, which means different rates apply to different portions of the price. The total can be a significant sum, so it’s vital to calculate it accurately and budget for it from the outset. Your solicitor will handle the process of paying this tax for you.
- Mortgage-Related Costs
While you might have secured a mortgage offer, there can be a number of fees associated with the loan itself:
- Mortgage Arrangement/Product Fee: Many lenders charge a fee to set up the mortgage, particularly for deals with lower interest rates. This can often be added to your mortgage loan, but remember you will pay interest on it for the life of the loan.
- Valuation Fee: Your lender will conduct a valuation to ensure the property is worth the price you’re paying. This is for their benefit, not yours, and may come with a fee. It is often a quick assessment and is not a detailed survey.
- Mortgage Broker Fees: If you use a mortgage broker to find the best deal for you, they may charge a fee for their service.
- Survey Costs
While your lender will conduct a valuation, it’s highly recommended that you instruct your own independent survey. This is your chance to get a detailed report on the property’s condition, which could save you thousands in the long run. There are different levels of survey, with prices increasing with the detail provided:
- HomeBuyer Report (Level 2): Suitable for most modern, conventional properties in a reasonable condition. It identifies potential problems like damp or subsidence.
- Building Survey (Level 3): The most comprehensive survey, recommended for older properties, buildings in poor condition, or those with unusual construction. It gives a detailed account of the property and offers advice on repairs.
If a survey reveals significant issues, you may be able to use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller.
- Moving Costs
The cost of physically moving your belongings can also add up. This includes:
- Removals Company: The price will depend on the volume of your belongings and the distance of the move.
- Insurance: You might want to take out insurance to protect your items during the move.
- Storage: If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, you might need to pay for temporary storage.
The Value of Preparation
The key to a smooth and stress-free house purchase is to be fully prepared and aware of all the potential costs. At KhanMather Solicitors, we provide a clear and transparent breakdown of all legal fees and disbursements from the start. We work with you and your mortgage broker to ensure you have a complete picture of your budget, leaving no room for nasty surprises.
For a fixed-fee conveyancing quote and expert advice on your property purchase, contact Hannah on 0161 850 9911 today.
by Saqib Khan | Jul 30, 2025 | Business, Debt recovery, General, Litigation, People
If you’re involved in a civil dispute in the UK, you might hear legal terms like “Small Claims,” “Fast Track,” and “Multi-Track.” These aren’t different courts, but rather the three different procedural routes, or “tracks,” that a case can be allocated to. The track your case follows will significantly impact everything from the cost and timeline to the complexity of the legal process.
At KhanMather Solicitors, we help clients understand which track their case is likely to be allocated to and what that means for their dispute. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the system.
The Allocation Process
When a claim is filed and the defendant responds, the court will review the case and “allocate” it to a specific track. This decision is based primarily on two factors:
- The value of the claim: The monetary amount being disputed.
- The complexity of the case: The number of parties, the legal issues, and the amount of evidence required.
Let’s break down the three main tracks.
- Small Claims Track
This is the most common track and is designed for low-value, straightforward disputes.
- Value: Generally for claims up to £10,000.
- Purpose: To provide a simple, cost-effective, and informal way to resolve disputes without the need for extensive legal representation.
- Key Features:
- Less Formal: The court process is less rigid, and hearings are often held in private rooms by a District Judge but can be in open court.
- Limited Costs: A key feature is that the winning party usually cannot recover their legal costs from the loser, apart from a small amount of court fees and expenses. This is why many people choose to represent themselves.
- Quicker Timeline: Cases on this track are typically resolved within six months.
- Simpler Evidence: The court will look at the documents filed and may not require extensive oral evidence from witnesses.
The Small Claims Track is ideal for issues like a minor breach of contract, a dispute over a faulty product, or a small unpaid debt.
- Fast Track
The Fast Track is for cases that are more complex than Small Claims but are not high-value enough to justify a more extensive process.
- Value: For claims valued between £10,000 and £25,000.
- Purpose: To provide a quicker and simpler process than the Multi-Track, with a strict timetable to keep costs and time proportionate.
- Key Features:
- More Formal: The process is more structured, with the court setting a timetable for exchanging documents and witness statements.
- Fixed Costs: There are fixed recoverable costs, meaning the legal fees the winning party can claim are capped. This provides some certainty about the financial risk.
- One-Day Trial: The trial is usually limited to one day.
- Limited Experts: The court will generally only allow one expert witness per party, in a maximum of two different fields.
This track is often used for medium-value personal injury claims, minor property disputes, or more complex debt recovery cases.
- Multi-Track
The Multi-Track is reserved for the most complex and high-value disputes.
- Value: For claims over £25,000, or for less valuable claims that have a high degree of legal or factual complexity.
- Purpose: To provide the court with the flexibility to manage complicated cases effectively, without the rigid rules of the Fast Track.
- Key Features:
- Extensive Case Management: There is no standard procedure. Instead, the court actively manages the case with a bespoke timetable, setting deadlines for disclosure, expert reports, and witness statements.
- Longer Trials: Trials on this track often last for several days or even weeks.
- Significant Costs: Costs are not fixed and can be substantial. The court has a great deal of discretion over who pays the costs at the end of the case.
- Extensive Evidence: The court will allow for multiple expert witnesses and detailed evidence to be presented.
Multi-Track cases include high-value commercial disputes, clinical negligence claims, and complex professional negligence cases.
Which Track is Right for You?
Understanding these tracks is crucial to managing a civil dispute. While the court makes the final decision on allocation, having legal advice from the outset can help you prepare and understand what lies ahead. At KhanMather Solicitors, we specialise in civil litigation and can provide expert guidance on your case, ensuring it is handled efficiently and effectively, regardless of which track it is allocated to.
If you are facing a civil dispute, contact Amaan on 0161 850 9911 today for a confidential discussion about your options.
by Saqib Khan | Apr 17, 2025 | Business, Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law, People
The tariff’s that President Donald Trump has imposed on all countries is now having a dramatic effect on the world’s markets. we address this below in our article.
Economic Uncertainty
o Tariffs create uncertainty in global markets. This uncertainty can lead to reduced investor confidence, which can affect property market stability.
o Businesses may delay investment decisions, and consumers may become more cautious with significant purchases like property.
Impact on Interest Rates
o Tariffs can influence inflation. If tariffs lead to increased costs for goods, it could push inflation higher.
o Central banks, like the Bank of England, may respond by adjusting interest rates. Changes in interest rates directly affect mortgage affordability and, consequently, property demand.
o There is also the possibility, that due to the Tariffs, that the bank of England may lower interest rates to stimulate the economy. This would have the opposite effect, and make mortgages more affordable.
Effects on the UK Economy
o The UK’s economy is intertwined with global trade. Tariffs could disrupt supply chains and impact UK businesses, potentially leading to slower economic growth.
o A weaker economy can reduce consumer spending power and affect property demand.
Potential for Mortgage Rate Fluctuations
o As financial markets react to tariff-related uncertainty, there could be fluctuations in mortgage rates.
o Changes in swap rates, which influence mortgage pricing, could lead to variations in mortgage affordability.
Key Considerations for KhanMather Clients
Legal Implications
o Tariffs can affect international contracts and business transactions, potentially leading to legal disputes.
o KhanMather can advise clients on the legal implications of tariffs on their property investments and business dealings.
Property Investment Strategies
o Clients should be aware of the potential risks and opportunities that tariffs may create in the property market.
o KhanMather can provide guidance on navigating legal and contractual complexities related to property transactions during times of economic uncertainty.
Economic Monitoring
o It’s crucial to stay informed about economic developments and policy changes that could affect the property market.
o KhanMather can help clients stay updated on relevant legal and economic changes.
In Summary
While predicting the precise impact of tariffs is challenging, it’s clear they can introduce significant economic uncertainty. This uncertainty can ripple through the property market, affecting demand, affordability, and investment decisions. KhanMather can play a vital role in helping clients navigate these complexities and protect their interests.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact Hannah @ KhanMather on 0161 850 9911.
by Saqib Khan | Mar 18, 2025 | Business, General, People
The current UK law on bereavement leave offers no statutory right to paid time off following the death of a close family member. While many employers offer compassionate leave as part of their employment contracts, there’s no legal obligation to do so, and the specifics of such leave (duration, pay, etc.) vary significantly.
Now, a cross-party group of MPs is calling for a significant change: extending paid bereavement leave to include miscarriage.
This blog post explores the current legal landscape, the proposed changes, and what this could mean for UK employers.
The Current Legal Position on Bereavement Leave
As mentioned, there’s no statutory right to paid bereavement leave in the UK. Employees are entitled to time off for dependants in certain emergency situations, such as when a dependant falls ill or dies. However, this is unpaid leave and often limited in duration. Many employers offer compassionate leave, but this is a contractual right, not a statutory one, meaning the terms are determined by individual company policies.
The Campaign for Miscarriage Inclusion
A growing campaign, supported by MPs from various parties, is advocating for a legal entitlement to paid bereavement leave that specifically includes miscarriage. The argument is that the emotional and physical impact of miscarriage can be profound, and that women (and their partners) should be given adequate time to grieve and recover without the added pressure of returning to work prematurely.
This campaign highlights the often-overlooked emotional toll of miscarriage. Many women experience significant grief and trauma following a pregnancy loss, and the lack of formal recognition of this loss can exacerbate the emotional burden.
What This Could Mean for UK Employers
If the proposed changes are implemented, UK employers will need to adapt their policies and procedures. Here are some key implications:
• Statutory Right: Bereavement leave, including for miscarriage, would become a statutory right, meaning all employers would be legally obligated to provide it.
• Policy Review: Employers would need to review and update their existing bereavement leave policies to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
• Pay and Duration: The legislation would likely specify the duration of leave and the level of pay employees are entitled to. This could involve a set number of weeks of paid leave, potentially at statutory sick pay rates or a higher percentage of normal earnings.
• Training and Awareness: HR departments and line managers would need training to understand the new regulations and handle related situations sensitively.
• Potential Challenges: Defining the scope of “miscarriage” for legal purposes may present challenges, particularly in early pregnancy losses. Clear guidelines would be essential.
The Importance of Compassionate Policies
Regardless of whether the proposed legislation is passed, employers should strive to create compassionate and supportive workplaces.
This includes:
• Clear Bereavement Policies: Having clear and accessible bereavement policies that outline the support available to employees.
• Flexible Working: Offering flexible working arrangements to employees who are grieving.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Providing access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer counselling and support services.
• Sensitivity and Understanding: Fostering a culture of sensitivity and understanding towards employees experiencing loss.
Conclusion
The push to include miscarriage in paid bereavement leave represents a significant step towards recognising the emotional impact of pregnancy loss. While the legal landscape is still evolving, employers should be prepared for potential changes and prioritise creating supportive and compassionate workplaces.
by Saqib Khan | Feb 27, 2025 | Business, Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law
The recent unexpected interest rate cut by the Bank of England has sent ripples through the financial world, and the UK property market is no exception. Here at KhanMather, we understand that these changes can be confusing, so we’re here to break down what this cut means for homeowners, buyers, and investors.
What Happened?
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has lowered the base interest rate. This decision is primarily aimed at stimulating economic growth but how does this seemingly macro-economic move affect the bricks and mortar of our homes and investments?
Impact on Mortgages:
• Existing Mortgages: For those on variable rate mortgages, this cut is likely good news. You should see a reduction in your monthly payments, although the exact amount will depend on the terms of your individual mortgage agreement. Contact your lender to understand how the rate cut will affect your specific payments. Fixed-rate mortgage holders won’t see an immediate change, as their rates are locked in for the fixed term. However, when it comes time to remortgage, they may find more competitive rates available.
• New Mortgages: Lower base rates typically translate to lower interest rates offered on new mortgages. This could make borrowing more affordable, potentially increasing demand in the property market. For first-time buyers, this could be a welcome opportunity to get onto the property ladder. However, it’s crucial to remember that affordability assessments still apply, and lenders will carefully scrutinise applications.
Impact on the Housing Market:
• Increased Demand: Lower borrowing costs could stimulate demand for property, potentially leading to increased competition and upward pressure on house prices. This could be particularly noticeable in certain areas where demand already outstrips supply.
• Market Confidence: A rate cut can sometimes signal a lack of confidence in the economy, which could have a dampening effect on market sentiment. However, the primary motivation for this cut suggests that the Bank is acting proactively to support growth, which could ultimately bolster confidence.
• Investment Properties: Lower interest rates can make buy-to-let investments more attractive, as the cost of borrowing is reduced. This could lead to increased activity in the rental market.
What Should You Do?
• Review Your Mortgage: If you’re on a variable rate mortgage, contact your lender to understand how the rate cut will affect your monthly payments. If you’re nearing the end of a fixed-rate term, start researching the best remortgage deals available.
• Consider Your Options: If you’re thinking of buying a property, now might be a good time to explore your mortgage options and get pre-approved. However, don’t rush into any decisions. Carefully assess your financial situation and ensure you can comfortably afford the repayments.
• Seek Professional Advice: Navigating the property market can be complex, especially with changing interest rates. At KhanMather, our team of experienced property law specialists can provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the process. Contact us today for a consultation.
If you wish to discuss the above or require additional information, please contact Hannah on 0161 850 9911.
by Saqib Khan | Dec 17, 2024 | Business, Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law
The UK property market has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s wealth. However, 2025 is poised to be a year of significant uncertainty. Economic headwinds, rising interest rates, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis are all converging to create a volatile and unpredictable landscape.
What Factors are Contributing to the Volatility?
- Rising Interest Rates: The Bank of England has been aggressively raising interest rates to combat inflation. This directly impacts mortgage costs, making home ownership more expensive and potentially reducing demand.
- Cost-of-Living Crisis: Soaring energy bills, food prices, and general inflation are squeezing household budgets. This leaves less disposable income for housing costs, impacting both buyers and renters.
- Economic Uncertainty: The global economic outlook remains uncertain, with the risk of recession looming. This can lead to job losses and decreased consumer confidence, further impacting the housing market.
- Political and Geopolitical Factors: Brexit’s long-term effects continue to unfold, while the ongoing war in Ukraine adds further economic and political instability.
What Can Homeowners and Buyers Expect?
- Price Fluctuations: Expect to see more price fluctuations, with potential for both price drops and unexpected surges in certain areas.
- Increased Competition: With affordability squeezed, competition for desirable properties may remain fierce, even in a cooling market.
- Longer Transaction Times: Increased scrutiny from lenders and potential delays in the conveyancing process could lead to longer transaction times.
- Shifting Market Dynamics: The market may see a shift towards more affordable housing options, such as smaller properties or those further from major cities.
How Can KhanMather Help?
At KhanMather, we understand the complexities of the current market. Our experienced team can provide expert advice on:
- Navigating the complexities of buying and selling in a volatile market.
- Understanding the impact of interest rate rises on your mortgage.
- Exploring alternative financing options.
- Maximising the value of your property.
- Protecting your interests throughout the entire property transaction.
Contact us today on 0161 850 9911 for a free consultation and let us guide you through the challenges of the 2025 property market.
