Government legislation is often daft, none more so than the requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on listed, Period homes that are prevented by planning laws from doing anything about it.
A quarter of all homebuyers who only had a MORTGAGE VALUATION report had to make unplanned building works to their property after purchase. On average, the bill for these works, such as damp proofing or repairing a roof, came to £1,818 – but the cost can be much higher.
Homebuyers in England and Wales are facing bills for thousands of pounds by failing to have a sufficient survey of their property before purchase, according to new research* from RICS.
Preventing the spread of Japanese Knotweed is a legal obligation for landowners under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The plant (Fallopia Japonica) is an alien species introduced to England around 1825 as an ornamental plant and cattle fodder. It is difficult and expensive to manage, but non-intervention is not really an option.
arly treatment of a new colony is quicker, cheaper and preferable to leaving it to become established and it can lie dormant underground for 20 years before re-growing.
Police have the power to fine squatters up £5,000 or they may face 6 months in prison.
In backlash, squatters have turned to other, commercial buildings.
“Hobo Hilton”, 199 – 203 High Holborn (West End), has become a haven for those who wish to avoid criminal charges.
Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 creates a new offence of squatting in a residential building.