08
Property transactions and inheritance involve some of the largest sums most people ever handle. Mistakes are expensive and often irreversible.
Key topics
In England and Wales, contracts for the sale of land must be in writing and signed by both parties. The process runs from offer to exchange of contracts (when the deal becomes binding) and then to completion (when ownership transfers). Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable within 14 days of completion.
A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who also sign. Without a valid will, your estate passes under the intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes. Wills can be stored with the National Will Register.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. If the estate exceeds £5,000 (for most banks and institutions) or includes land, the executors or administrators need a grant of probate from the Probate Registry before they can deal with assets.
Leaseholders own their property for a fixed term. As the lease gets shorter, the property becomes harder to mortgage and sell. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 improves rights to extend leases and buy the freehold, with new service charge transparency rules taking effect from January 2027.
Guides
Stage 05 · rights
A valid will in England and Wales must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two independent adult wi…
Stage 04 · notice
A transfer of equity is the legal process of adding or removing a person from the registered ownership of a property wit…
Stage 04 · notice
You can extend your lease informally by negotiating directly with the freeholder without triggering the statutory lease …
Latest news
The Leasehold Advisory Service has published revised guidance on how service charges must be itemised and what counts as a reasonable management fee.
2 min read →Ministers have confirmed that the service-charge transparency provisions will come into force on 1 January 2027. Leaseholders and freeholders should prepare now.
3 min read →The government has confirmed that the enhanced Stamp Duty Land Tax relief for first-time buyers — zero rate on the first £425,000 — will remain in place until 31 March 2028.
3 min read →Provisions in the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 extending time limits for issuing planning enforcement notices are now in force, giving councils more time to act against unauthorised development.
3 min read →Articles
How-to
Where to begin, which parts to skip, and how to tell a rule from its exceptions. A method you can use on any law.
Explainer
The order in which rules apply, and what happens to a clause that goes against the law.
How-to
What to include, what to leave out, and how to prove it was received.
Explainer
Cost, time and control over the result, compared side by side.
FAQ
General answers with links to official sources. Not legal advice.
Official resources
Register property, check title and search for ownership information.
Stamp duty, searches, conveyancing and completion.
Free guidance on lease extensions, service charges and enfranchisement.
How to make a will, apply for probate and deal with an estate.