Thought leadership

To successfully buy and sell a property, it is important to understand how the market is evolving and changing. Our real estate specialists share their knowledge on the key residential topics and market trends, from SDLT and Capital Gains Tax to creating a lifestyle property or buying a second home abroad.

Moving House - To Do List

Moving house can be an inherently stressful process. The best way to ensure a smooth transaction is to be prepared with all papers and possible issues in advance, so these do not stall the process due to late discovery, and enabling your solicitor and agent to ensure all matters are properly addressed in advance. We have set out below a short checklist, which is not exhaustive, but should assist in initial preparations so that you can hit the ground running once a buyer is found.

A Guide for US Purchasers of UK Residential Property

When acquiring UK property, US purchasers should seek advice on the broader tax and legal implications. In this report, Forsters’ partners along with specialists in the industry, share their insights on the current UK market for US buyers and how best to navigate the specific risks for US-connected clients.

A Guide to Buying Residential Property in England & Wales

Buying a residential property is usually one of the most significant investments a person makes in their lifetime and is generally viewed as a safe long term investment. An understanding of the process can help facilitate a smooth transaction and keep costs down.

SDLT changes and additional surcharges – Is it now or never?

The Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday will end on 31 March 2021. For those seeking to benefit from this, January could be argued to be the final month in which consumers can feasibly initiate a property purchase.

What is search indemnity insurance and why is it needed?

As part of the conveyancing process, solicitors submit ‘searches’ to various public authorities. These searches include (amongst others) a local authority search, an environmental search and a drainage and water search. These searches are used to help solicitors identify potential issues with the property and give an opportunity for the buyer to withdraw or negotiate the price if an adverse result is found.

Non-resident SDLT (NRSDLT)

Non-resident SDLT will apply a 2% SDLT surcharge on English residential property purchased on or after 1 April 2021 by a non-UK resident. In this article, we explain what this new surcharge is, when this change will apply, who will be affected and how.

What is Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?

CGT is a tax on the gain in value made when an individual disposes of a capital asset such as a residential property.

Flexible working from home and the second home abroad

The long-cherished dream of many people, i.e. cashing in the South London three-bed semi and buying the gorgeous villa with sea views (and good broadband) before retirement, is now a tangible possibility – or is it?

Creating a lifestyle property

As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt, luxury homes are increasingly being adapted to accommodate our new lives but the need for relevant planning permissions must not be overlooked.

COVID-19 and SDLT – it may not all be doom and gloom

Just how much SDLT might you pay on your dream house in the country from which to shelter from COVID-lockdown 3, 4 or n-squared?

As more people escape to the country, will there be an increase in the purchase of luxury aparthotel rooms?

If escaping to the country by the relocation of a family home or main residence is taken as a given during these turbulent times, will we see a rise in demand for serviced apartments and specifically, luxury aparthotel rooms in London and the UK’s other principal cities, in the immediate to short-term?

Property trends post-COVID-19

Although the Oxford Covid vaccine currently looks promising, it seems as though the Covid-19 pandemic will have long lasting implications for the way we work and live. As a result, the housing market has seen a shift of emphasis towards additional living space requirements and moves out of central London.

Expert commentary - our recently published insights

From the Guardian to the Financial Times, read our recently published property market commentary from within the printed and online press.