Since our last Property Update in January there have been no signs of the property market slowing down….in fact the results have been the exact opposite. With over 100 new legal property vacancies registered with eNL during April, May and June 2013, there is no doubt in our minds that the need for property lawyers is increasing! To help keep you informed of market trends, current cases and new hires across the legal profession, please see below highlights along with a brief insight into the market; movers and shakers; and a selection of roles eNL are currently recruiting for. To speak to one of our specialist Consultants, get in touch on; 0121 454 1004/0207 183 8586.
Residential Property Highlights
The long awaited draft Finance Bill for 2013 has finally been published, providing further information as to the way UK residential properties valued at over £2 million will be taxed from April 2013 in the form of an increase in stamp duty (SDLT), the proposed annual charge (now called the Annual Residential Property Tax) and the extension of Capital Gains Tax on a disposal. The Lawyer, June 2013
PRUPIM, the real estate investment management arm of M&G Investments, confirms it has exchanged contracts to acquire a £105.4m residential portfolio owned by The Berkeley Group Holdings plc and partially funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The portfolio consists of 534 private rental units in 13 locations.
There is a strong trend of foreign money coming in to the top end of the UK property market – either high-net-worth families and funds investing in iconic London buildings or big international brands developing their UK/European footprints. The Lawyer, June 2013
Movers & Shakers
South West based law firm Kitsons, have promoted Licensed Conveyancer Jo Davies to Associate. Jo works in the property department and specialises in residential conveyancing including sales, purchases, mortgages and transfers of freehold and leasehold property with both registered and unregistered land.
Joanne Parsons has also been promoted to partner at North West based practice, Linder Myers. Parsons joined the firm in 2010 and advises on all aspects of residential property matters.
Residential Property Opportunities
Residential Property Lawyer - Dorset - RL4812
A highly competent Residential Conveyancing Solicitor is required to join the thriving offices of this well established practice. You will be advising on all areas of residential property including shared ownership, remortgages and sales and purchases. The firm are considering applications from FILEX, Licensed Conveyancers and qualified Solicitors.
Residential Property Solicitor - Ipswich - CB4509
An experienced Residential Property Solicitor is sought after to join a busy firm Ipswich. The firm is keen to hear from individuals with a proven track record of advising on all aspects of residential property including freehold and leasehold, transfers of equity, remortgages and sales and purchases. A fantastic opportunity to join a friendly and supportive environment.
Property Solicitor - Buckinghamshire – BB4617
This forward-thinking law firm is looking for a highly motivated property solicitor. The successful candidate will be expected to deal with freehold and leasehold commercial property including freehold and leasehold sales and acquisitions, re-mortgages and estate development. Competent to handle a full caseload of residential property matters from instruction to completion this is a replacement role with a busy caseload.
Residential Property Solicitor - South West - PT4527
This highly rated leading law firm are currently on the lookout for an experienced Residential Property Solicitor to supervise a team of secretaries and legal executives as well as advise on all aspects of residential property. The team boasts a number of experienced individuals who provide professional advice on a range of residential transactions including sales and purchases, remortgages, equity releases and deeds of easements.
Residential Property Solicitor / Legal Executive - London - GJ4558
This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving team in Central London. You will be handling high net worth residential property sales and purchases, some valuing in excess of £7m. You will be dealing with your own client base and will be responsible for networking and business development. The successful candidate MUST be able to demonstrate experience of handling high net worth property transactions in the London market. You will be comfortable with and used to dealing with high value properties and estates and will be a keen networker.
Residential Conveyancing Locum - Somerset - RM4809
A broad based residential property role is on offer within this modern practice based in the Somerset region. This opportunity is available on a Fixed Term Contract basis (6-9 months) to cover maternity leave and it is aniticapated the start date will be in mid September.
Residential Conveyancing Locum - London - KT4924
Running from 22nd July through to the 21st August this holiday cover role will see the successful candidate taking responsibility for a busy conveyancing caseload. In this role your work will include sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties, mortgages and remortgages, as well as equity release and some landlord and tenant matters.
Residential Conveyancing Solicitor - Cumbria - KW4891
This 12 month maternity cover will see the successful applicant managing a varied caseload of residential conveyancing files. A proven ability to work independently and effectively manage a busy and ever changing caseload is essential
Commercial Property Highlights
Hotel chain Premier Inn plans to add 520 bedrooms to its North West estate after identifying seven target sites across the region. The hotels will either be new-build or refurbishments within existing buildings, some in conjunction with developers. Premier Inn, part of the Whitbread Group of companies, will not put an overall value on the investment, part of its drive to secure 20,000 new bedrooms by 2018. May 2013
The High Court has prevented a charity from installing wi-fi transmitters in properties as a way of avoiding business rates. The judgment has far-reaching implications for landlords considering charitable occupation as an empty rates mitigation tactic. Property Week, May 2013
The pub operator JD Wetherspoon has said today that will accept a payment of £400,000 to settle a legal claim. The £400,000 settlement was offered by property investor Jason Harris follows an allegation made by Wetherspoon that Harris, formerly of First London and now of First Urban Group, was an accessory to frauds committed by its former retained property agents Van de Berg. Property Week, May 2013
Movers & Shakers
Russell-Cooke has recently promoted Matthew Garrod to partner in the commercial property group bringing the number of Partners to 53. Garrod has been with the firm for almost eight years since joining shortly after qualification. He advises on a range of commercial property matters including investment property acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters,
business leases and property backed loans. Legal Moves, June 2013
JMW solicitors has expanded its commercial property team with the appointment of partner Claire Hamilton who
joins George Davies Solicitors, now Mills & Reeve. Hamilton specialises in all areas of commercial property with a particular interest in property finance and commercial acquisitions and disposals. Legal Moves, June 2013
Commercial Property Opportunities
Commercial Property Solicitor - Kings Lynn - CB4595
Expanding and developing law firm in Norfolk, is looking to appoint a highly skilled Commercial Property Solicitor to assist their demanding team. You will be a self-starter with the ability to advise on a variety of commercial property transactions. Workload will include providing assistance on the buying and selling of commercial properties, advising on land disputes and commercial and landlord matters.
Commercial Property Solicitor - Devon - RL4926
One of the largest law firms in the South West requires a Commercial Property Solicitor. This firm is renowned for its strong commercial property department and has received a variety of legal awards for their excellent service. The ideal candidate should have around 1-3 years PQE gained in dealing with a broad range of commercial property matters.
Commercial Property Lawyer - Buckinghamshire – BB4736
Working in a busy team alongside a recognised Partner the successful candidate will be dealing with a broad mix of property matters including landlord and tenant and development work. It is expected that this candidate will have good drafting skills along with c2-6 years’ PQE. You will be used to working on your own initiative and will have a proven billing track-record.
Commercial Property Solicitor - West Midlands - PT4504
Legal 500 rated practice wishes to employ a Senior Commercial Property Associate/Partner into their team. You will ideally have a minimum of 5 years experience in handling all aspects of commercial property law and be able to demonstrate excellent business development skills.
Commercial Property Legal Executive - Oxfordshire - GJ4901
This is an exciting opportunity for a Legal Executive to join a busy real estate team in Oxford. Working with minimal supervision you will take on and be responsible for your own matters from inception. The role will include assisting a partner and solicitors in the commercial property team, file opening, dealing with online search transactions and enquiries, lease and contract drafting and amendments, letter drafting and liaising with the Land Registry and HMRC.
Commercial Property Locum - Staffordshire - KT4748
Providing holiday cover for a key member of the team, you will be handling a mixed caseload of landlord and tenant matters, commercial finance, development work, and commercial acquisitions and sales. There will also potentially be an element of corporate work to some of the transactions. This is a two week locum assignment commencing in mid-July.
Commercial Property Locum - Lancashire - KW4744
Covering a period of maternity leave the role is initially offered as a 4 month fixed term contract, however it may be subject to extension. You will take responsibility for an existing mixed caseload comprising a wide range of commercial property matters including sales and purchase of businesses, landlord and tenant matters and lease extensions.
Commercial Property (Agriculture) Locum - Somerset - RM4631
As an experienced agricultural solicitor, you will have a solid background in rural and/or commercial property. You will have an understanding of the agricultural sector as a whole, and the technical aspects of renewable energy projects and the subsidies available including knowledge of SPS, FiT, RHI and ROC's. You will be immediately available to commence this assignment on a Locum basis.