by Saqib Khan | Apr 1, 2025 | Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law
Here at KhanMather, we understand that buying or selling a property is one of the most significant transactions in anyone’s life. It’s a process filled with legal intricacies, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That’s why we’re keeping a close eye on the government’s proposed changes to the TA6 form, set to be implemented in 2026.
What is the TA6 Form?
For those unfamiliar, the TA6 form, officially known as the Property Information Form, is a vital document in residential property transactions in England and Wales. It’s completed by the seller and provides crucial information about the property to the buyer. This includes details about boundaries, disputes, planning permissions, and environmental matters. It’s designed to ensure transparency and help buyers make informed decisions.
Why the Change?
The government’s decision to introduce a new TA6 form in 2026 stems from a desire to modernise the process and address evolving concerns in the property market. Key drivers include:
• Enhanced Transparency: The aim is to provide buyers with more comprehensive and accurate information, reducing the risk of post-completion disputes.
• Environmental Considerations: With increasing focus on climate change, the new form is expected to incorporate more detailed questions about energy efficiency, flood risks, and other environmental factors.
• Digitalisation: The government is pushing for greater digitalisation in property transactions, and the new TA6 form will likely align with this trend.
• Leasehold reform: With the ongoing leasehold reform, it is likely that leasehold properties will have more detailed questions.
What Can We Expect?
While the exact details of the new TA6 form are yet to be finalised, we anticipate the following:
• Expanded Environmental Questions: Expect more in-depth inquiries about energy performance certificates (EPCs), flood risk assessments, and the presence of potentially hazardous materials.
• Updated Boundary and Dispute Information: The form may include more specific questions about boundary disputes, rights of way, and other neighbourly matters.
• Improved Digital Integration: The new form may be designed for easier digital completion and submission, streamlining the transaction process.
• More detailed questions concerning leasehold properties: Due to the upcoming leasehold reform, it is likely that leasehold properties will have more detailed questions.
• Cyber security questions: With the rise of cyber crime, questions may be added to confirm that the seller has taken steps to secure their personal information.
What This Means for You?
For sellers, it’s crucial to start gathering relevant information well in advance of 2026. This includes ensuring your property’s documentation is up-to-date and addressing any potential issues that might arise during the disclosure process.
For buyers, the new TA6 form should provide greater peace of mind, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition and history. However, it’s essential to seek professional legal advice to fully interpret the information provided.
How KhanMather Can Help?
At KhanMather, we’re committed to staying abreast of all legal developments in the property sector. Our experienced solicitors can:
• Provide expert guidance on the new TA6 form and its implications.
• Assist sellers in completing the form accurately and efficiently.
• Advise buyers on interpreting the information provided in the form and conducting thorough due diligence.
• Navigate any potential disputes that may arise during the transaction.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the new TA6 form in 2026 represents a significant step towards a more transparent and efficient property transaction process. We encourage both buyers and sellers to stay informed and seek professional legal advice to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
If you have any questions about the new TA6 form or any other aspect of property law, please don’t hesitate to contact Hannah at KhanMather on 0161 850 9911.
We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the property market with confidence!
by Saqib Khan | Mar 27, 2025 | Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law
The UK Government is making significant changes to property ownership, with the aim of abolishing the traditional leasehold system for flats in England and Wales. The goal is to make commonhold the standard tenure.
What’s Changing?
• Ban on new leasehold flats: The main proposal is to stop selling new flats under leasehold agreements.
• Commonhold as the new standard: Instead, commonhold ownership will become the norm. This means homeowners will own their flats outright, without a separate freeholder.
What Does Commonhold Mean for Flat Owners?
• Collective Ownership: Flat owners will collectively own and manage the entire building.
• Direct Control: You’ll have direct control over maintenance and related costs, eliminating ground rents.
• Part of an Association: When you buy a home, you’ll automatically become part of a commonhold association. This group will oversee the building’s management, either directly or by hiring a managing agent.
In Summary:
These changes aim to give flat owners more control and security over their properties by moving away from the leasehold system.
by Saqib Khan | Mar 26, 2025 | General, Powers of Attorney, Wills
At KhanMather, we understand that planning for the future and ensuring your wishes are honoured is of utmost importance. A common concern for many is inheritance tax (IHT), and how to manage it effectively. If you’re considering leaving a portion or all of your estate to charity, you’ll be pleased to know that UK law offers significant benefits.
Key Takeaways:
• Gifts to Charity are IHT-Free: Any amount you leave to a registered charity is completely exempt from inheritance tax. This means the full value of your donation goes to the cause you care about.
• Reduced IHT Rate: If you leave 10% or more of your net estate (the value after deducting the nil-rate band and any other reliefs and exemptions) to charity, the standard IHT rate on the remaining taxable portion reduces from 40% to 36%. This can result in a substantial saving for your beneficiaries.
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption: If an asset in your estate increases in value between the date of death and its sale, there may be a CGT liability. However, charities are exempt from CGT. Therefore, gifting an asset to charity before its sale can reduce the overall tax liability of your estate.
• Proper Will Drafting is Crucial: To ensure your wishes are carried out and to minimize the risk of your will being challenged, it’s vital to have a properly drafted will. Discuss your plans with your loved ones to avoid potential disputes.
• Deed of Variation: A Deed of Variation allows beneficiaries to redirect their inheritance, potentially offering tax advantages. If someone inherits assets they don’t need, gifting them to their children via a Deed of Variation can bypass the usual 7-year rule for inheritance tax.
Example:
Imagine you are 70 years old with an estate worth £530,000 and wish to leave your wealth to charity. In this scenario, the entire amount left to charity would be exempt from inheritance tax.
Important Note: Special rules apply. It’s crucial to seek professional legal advice when planning your estate, particularly when considering charitable giving.
How KhanMather Can Help:
Our experienced team at KhanMather can provide expert guidance on all aspects of estate planning, including inheritance tax and charitable giving. We can help you:
• Draft a will that accurately reflects your wishes.
• Advise on the most tax-efficient ways to structure your charitable donations.
• Ensure your estate plan is fully compliant with UK law.
Contact Georgina today on 0161 850 9911 for a consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and create a plan that secures your legacy and supports the causes you value.
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 | Mar 13, 2025 | Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law, Litigation, People
Purchasing a new-build home is often envisioned as a seamless transition into modern living. However, numerous homeowners across the UK have encountered significant challenges with unfinished estates, leading to frustration and legal concerns.
Common Issues Faced by Homeowners
Residents in various new-build developments have reported a range of issues, including:
• Unfinished Roads and Pavements: In Shrewsbury, homeowners on the Lilly Hay estate, developed by Taylor Wimpey, have been waiting up to five years for the completion of roads and pavements. The lack of proper infrastructure has resulted in uneven surfaces and potholes, posing safety risks and causing damage to vehicles.
• Non-functional Street lights: At Tadpole Garden Village in Swindon, residents have expressed frustration over non-functional street lights, contributing to safety concerns and an increase in local crime rates.
• Structural Defects: Some homeowners have discovered significant structural issues post-purchase, such as the absence of cavity-wall insulation, leading to increased energy costs and discomfort. Legal avenues, like the Defective Premises Act 1972, may offer recourse in such situations.
Legal Protections and Remedies
Homeowners facing these challenges have several legal protections and remedies available:
• Consumer Rights Act 2015: This act ensures that services provided, including construction work, must be performed with reasonable care and skill. If a developer fails to meet these standards, homeowners may be entitled to remedies such as repairs, replacements, or financial compensation.
• Defective Premises Act 1972: Under this act, homeowners can claim damages against developers for substandard work that results in defects, especially if building regulations have been breached. The Building Safety Act 2022 has extended the limitation period for such claims to 30 years, allowing homeowners more time to seek redress.
• New Homes Quality Code: This code mandates developers to provide clear and accurate information about the property. Failure to disclose significant details, such as the erection of large structures near homes, can lead to compensation claims, as seen in Newcastle where a couple was awarded £700 after a 40-foot fence was built outside their property without prior notice.
Steps for Homeowners
If you’re experiencing issues with your new-build property:
1. Document All Issues: Keep detailed records of defects, including photographs and correspondence with the developer.
2. Communicate with the Developer: Report problems promptly and allow the developer an opportunity to address them.
3. Seek Legal Advice: If issues remain unresolved, consult with one of our solicitors to understand your rights and potential legal actions.
4. Utilise Dispute Resolution Services: Engage with independent schemes or ombudsman services designed to handle disputes between homeowners and developers.
Conclusion
While new-build homes offer the promise of modern amenities and design, it’s crucial for homeowners to be vigilant and informed about their rights. Should issues arise, legal frameworks are in place to protect consumers and ensure that developers meet their obligations.
At Khan Mather Solicitors, we are committed to assisting homeowners in navigating these challenges and securing the homes they were promised.
by Saqib Khan | Mar 6, 2025 | Conveyancing, General, Landlord and Tenant Law
Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Amidst the excitement of finding the perfect place, it’s easy to overlook crucial checks that could save you from future heartache.
One such check, particularly relevant in the UK, is assessing the flood risk of your potential property. At KhanMather Solicitors, we understand the importance of thorough due diligence, and we’re here to guide you through this essential process.
Why is Flood Risk a Concern?
The UK is increasingly experiencing extreme weather events, making flooding a significant risk for many homeowners. Flooding can cause devastating damage to property, leading to costly repairs, insurance disputes, and emotional distress. Therefore, understanding the potential flood risk before you buy is paramount.
How to Check for Flood Risk:
1. Environment Agency Website: The Environment Agency provides flood maps online, allowing you to check the flood risk for specific areas using postcodes. These maps indicate areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, and surface water.
2. Property Information Form (TA6): Sellers are legally obliged to disclose any known flood history of the property through the TA6 form. Carefully review this document and ask your solicitor to raise any necessary enquiries.
3. Local Authority Searches: Your solicitor will conduct local authority searches, which may reveal information about flood risk and drainage in the area.
4. Flood Risk Assessments: For a more detailed assessment, consider commissioning a professional flood risk assessment. This will provide a comprehensive report on the property’s vulnerability to flooding.
5. Check Insurance Availability: Contact insurance providers to get an idea of the cost and availability of flood insurance for the property. This will give you a realistic picture of the potential financial implications.
What Can KhanMather Solicitors Do to Help?
Our experienced conveyancing team at KhanMather Solicitors can assist you in the following ways:
• Reviewing the TA6 form and raising enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
• Conducting thorough local authority searches.
• Advising on the need for a flood risk assessment.
• Explaining the implications of any flood risk identified.
• Ensuring your interests are protected throughout the conveyancing process.
Don’t Let Flooding Wash Away Your Dreams
By taking proactive steps to assess flood risk, you can make an informed decision about your property purchase and avoid potential future problems. Contact KhanMather Solicitors today for expert legal advice and a smooth conveyancing experience.
Remember: Prevention is always better than cure. Don’t let the excitement of buying a new home overshadow the importance of essential checks like flood risk assessment.
If you have any questions regarding any future property purchase, please contact Hannah on 0161 850 9911.
