2021

Robert Barham writes for Prime Resi on Commonhold

Residential Property Partner, Robert Barham, has authored an article for Prime Resi entitled 'Replacing Leasehold: Can the government persuade the market?'.

Helen Marsh quoted in the Daily Telegraph on competitive purchases

Residential Property Partner, Helen Marsh, has been quoted in the Daily Telegraph article, 'Ten ways to win in the cut-throat property market'.

Private Client Partners provide a UK tax update at the Family Balance Sheet Event

Forsters hosted two Family Balance Sheet events on 1 and 8 December with Stanhope Capital.

This event was designed to update UK families and their advisers each year on the performance and outlook for the most popular asset classes held on their overall balance sheets.

The nuances of preparing a family business for sale/investment

Stuart Hatcher, Partner, and Lianne Baker, Knowledge Development Lawyer, both of our Corporate team, have written for eprivateclient on the nuances of preparing a family business for sale/investment.

Temporary? Maybe...: Elizabeth Small writes for taxation

Corporate Partner, Elizabeth Small, wrote for Taxation about how the new residential property developer tax will operate.

What can be done when a property owner is unwilling to cooperate with necessary repairs? Liberty Chappel answers a reader's question in The Times

Liberty Chappel, Senior Associate in our Property Litigation team, answers a reader’s question in the Home section of the Sunday Times asking what can be done when a neighbouring property owner appears unwilling to cooperate with necessary repairs.

Bryan Shacklady and Ashleigh Carr write for Thought Leaders 4 on protectors

Senior Solicitor, Bryan Shacklady, and Senior Associate, Ashleigh Carr, have authored an article for Thought Leaders 4 on the topic of protectors.

Lucy Barber quoted in the Daily Mail on buying a freehold

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, has contributed to an article for the Daily Mail entitled 'Buying a Freehold?'.

Caroline Harbord comments on Lloyd V Google Supreme Court Judgment

Caroline Harbord, Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, has commented on The Supreme Court's halt of a massive class action against Google over a data protection breach.

Matthew Brunsdon-Tully writes for The Times on the risks of increasing transparency in the family courts

Family Partner, Matthew Brunsdon-Tully's article entitled 'Family courts risk sacrificing privacy for transparency' was published in The Times.

Matthew shares his views on the recently published McFarlane transparency review, reflecting on the importance of balancing transparency with privacy within the system, as well as the potential unintended consequences of reform.

Joe Beeston and Nina Gilroy write for CampdenFB on employment law for family businesses

Employment Counsel, Joe Beeston, and Legal Executive, Nina Gilroy, have authored an article for CampdenFB entitled 'Get the basics right in family business employment law'.

How can I minimise tax when buying a UK house from abroad? Lucy Barber answers the Financial Times reader's question

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, answers the reader's question ‘How can I minimise tax when buying a UK house from abroad?’ for the Financial Times.

Ben Barrison comments on rent arrears and new arbitration code in The Telegraph

Ben Barrison, Partner in our Property Litigation team, has provided commentary on rent arrears in The Telegraph on the new arbitration code.

Matthew Brunsdon-Tully quoted in New Law Journal on Family Courts transparency proposals

Family Partner, Matthew Brunsdon Tully’s comments have been published in the New Law Journal article ‘Family Courts: Transparency Fears’.

Matthew Brunsdon Tully quoted in Eprivateclient on Family Court transparency proposals

Family Partner, Matthew Brunsdon Tully, has been quoted in Eprivateclient's article entitled 'Family lawyers raise concerns about new transparency proposals'.

Elizabeth Small's budget commentary published in News on the Block

Tax Partner Elizabeth Small's comments on the Autumn Budget 2021 have been published in News on the Block.

Natasha Rees considers the Court of Appeal decision in Aster v Chapman in RICS Property Journal

Head of Property Litigation, Natasha Rees, has written an article in the RICS Property Journal on the recent Court of Appeal case, Aster Communities v Kerry Chapman and Others.

The Difficulties When Buying in the UK from Abroad: Georgina Haddon writes for Property Wire

Residential Property Senior Associate, Georgina Haddon, has authored an article for Property Wire entitled 'The Difficulties When Buying in the UK from Abroad'.

CMA announces probe into music streaming platforms: Caroline Harbord comments in Solicitors Journal and Thomson Reuters Practical Law

Dispute Resolution Senior Associate, Caroline Harbord, has had her comments on the CMA's announcement of a probe into music streaming platforms published by Solicitors Journal and Thomson Reuters Practical Law.

How do investors see post-pandemic London? Katherine Ekers features on EG Property Podcast

Commercial Real Estate Partner, Katherine Ekers, joined the EG Property podcast to discuss the question 'How do investors see post-pandemic London?'.

VAT treatment of dilapidation payments: Elizabeth Small writes for Taxation

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small’s article entitled ‘VAT treatment of dilapidation payments’ was published in Taxation.

Professional indemnity insurance: Emily Holdstock and Oyin Ogunkanmi write for Property Law Journal

Emily Holdstock, Partner in our Construction team, and Oyin Ogunkanmi, Associate, have written for Property Law Journal on Professional Indemnity Insurance.

BT collective action ruling “could open the floodgates”: Ben Walton and Caroline Harbord write for The Times and Legal Futures

The Competition Appeal Tribunal’s (CAT) approval of a second opt-out collective action is likely to open the floodgates to more applications, claim Head of Commercial Litigation, Benedict Walton and Senior Associate, Caroline Harbord.

Jonathan Lyness writes for Resolution on workplace trauma

Family Associate, Jonathan Lyness, has authored an article for Resolution's "The Review" magazine, titled 'Workplace Trauma'.

Merricks v Mastercard: Benedict Walton and Caroline Harbord write for FT Adviser on funded group litigation

Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution, Benedict Walton, and Dispute Resolution Senior Associate, Caroline Harbord, have written for FT Adviser on funded group litigation.

What it’s really like to live in a build-to-rent flat: Helen Streeton quoted in The Times

Commercial Real Estate Partner, Helen Streeton, has recently been quoted in The Times, Bricks & Mortar.

How can I stop the smell from my neighbour smoking?: Elizabeth Oxendale features in The Times

Elizabeth Oxendale, Associate in the Property Litigation team, has recently featured in The Times. She has advised as to whether an individual has a legal standing in regards to a neighbour reducing the quality of air due to continuously smoking inside.

Construction focus: Delay damages and termination – Dan Cudlipp and Candice Johnson write for Property Law Journal

What happens to an employer’s rights to liquidated damages for delay when a building contract is terminated before practical completion of the works has been achieved? Dan Cudlipp and Candice Johnson discuss a case that made it to the Supreme Court.

The Harsh Reality of Shared Ownership. Natasha Rees comments in The Sunday Times

Head of Property Litigation, Natasha Rees, sat down with Melissa York of The Times to provide her comments on one of the risks of shared ownership; being able to easily extend a short lease term.

Key challenges and the role of the family advisor in facilitating a successful succession plan: Kelly Noel-Smith, Rosie Schumm and Anna Ferster write for Family Law Journal

Private Client Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, Family Partner, Rosie Schumm, and Family Associate, Anna Ferster, have authored an article for the Family Law Journal entitled 'Key challenges and the role of the family advisor in facilitating a successful succession plan'.

What is the best way to buy our first UK home? Emma Gillies answers the Financial Times reader's question from a US connected couple

Private Client Partner, Emma Gillies (née White), answers a reader's question for the Financial Times entitled 'What is the best way to buy our first UK home?'.

The question seeks to understand whether holding the property as 'joint tenants' or 'tenants in common' is more suitable for a married couple, where one is British and the other American.

Charles Miéville and Emma Gillies write for Bloomberg Tax on SDLT for international buyers

Residential Property Partner, Charles Miéville, and Private Client Partner, Emma Gilles (née White), have authored an article for Bloomberg Tax entitled 'U.K. Property Market—Tax Considerations for International Buyers'.

Procuring remedial works under The Building Safety Fund: Emily Holdstock writes for Property Law Journal

In a recent Property Law Journal article, Emily Holdstock, Partner in our Construction team, summarises how to make a claim under the Building Safety Fund.

Elizabeth Small writes for Taxation on multiple dwellings relief and granny annexes

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, has authored an article for Taxation entitled 'Savings for the whole family?'.

Cryptocurrency for Charities – Risk or Opportunity? Neasa Coen writes for IFC Review

Cryptocurrency is a new asset class and, to that extent, its regulation has not been fully determined. At the same time, its popularity has soared and increasingly, people (particularly young philanthropists) are keen to gift cryptocurrency and crypto-assets to charities. A number of UK charities (including the RNLI and Save the Children) are accepting gifts of cryptocurrency.

HR Issues in the hotel sector - Joe Beeston writes for Boutique Hotel News

Joe Beeston, Counsel in Forsters' Employment team, has written an article for Boutique Hotel News outlining some of the issues faced by hotel HR teams as the hotel sector cautiously begins a return to normality following a turbulent couple of years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is divorce mediation? Jo Edwards explains all in Spear's Magazine

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, answers the most common questions about divorce mediation in an interview with Spear's. Jo explains the process of divorce mediation and how it can help families avoid contention.

Elizabeth Small writes for Tax Journal on NRSDLT

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, has authored an article for Tax Journal entitled 'FA 2021: SDLT - increased rates for non-residents'.

Anna Mullins writes for the Property Law Journal on the Telecommunications Infrastructure consultation

Property Litigation Senior Associate, Anna Mullins, writes for the Property Law Journal examining the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act consultation.

Virtual family courts - Matthew Brunsdon Tully and Timothy Evans write for Solicitors Journal

Family Partner, Matthew Brunsdon Tully, has authored an article with Associate, Timothy Evans, for the Solicitors Journal entitled 'Virtual Family Courts: the effect on participants'.

Can I renegotiate the asking price if I missed the stamp duty holiday? Lucy Barber answers The Sunday Times reader's question

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, answers the reader's question 'Can I renegotiate the asking price if I missed the stamp duty holiday?' for The Sunday Times.

How Can Family Offices Facilitate A Family Governance Exercise? Nick Jacob writes for IFC Review

Facilitation is the key word. Family Offices (FOs) come in all shapes and sizes. Many are set up purely for investment purposes, but an increasing number of FOs are set up to carry out a much wider array of tasks for the family. A family that fails to plan puts at risk the business and wealth that often has been created with great diligence.

Lucy Barber quoted in ePrivateClient on the end of the SDLT holiday

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, was quoted in ePrivateClient's article entitled 'Those who missed SDLT holiday should not despair'.

Head of Commercial Real Estate interviewed by Estates Gazette

Forsters’ Head of Commercial Real Estate, Andrew Crabbie, has been interviewed by Estates Gazette on his views of supporting clients through the pandemic, how clients needs have changed during it and what the team are focusing on in 2021.

Lucy Barber quoted in Inside Conveyancing on the SDLT holiday

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, has been quoted in Inside Conveyancing on the end of the SDLT holiday.

Building an enduring legacy following the sale of a business: George Mitchell speaks to Transmission Private

In June's edition of Transmission Private's The Lede, Private Client Partner, George Mitchell, talks about the challenges business owners may face when selling their business and how they can overcome them.

Which asset could help minimise IHT liabilities? Guy Abrahams, Rebecca Meade and Rebecca Welman write for International Adviser

Private Client Partner, Guy Abrahams, Private Client Associate, Rebecca Meade, and Dispute Resolution Associate, Rebecca Welman, have authored an article for International Adviser on IHT liabilities.

What are the pitfalls for non-resident UK property buyers? Robert Barham answers the Financial Times reader's question

Residential Property Partner, Robert Barham, answers a reader's question in the Financial Times' article entitled "What are the pitfalls for non-resident UK property buyers?". In his response, Robert highlights that the government has tightened some of the tax advantages previously enjoyed by international buyers.

Regulatory, ESG and Crypto legal check-list for family offices post-pandemic - James Brockhurst and Charlotte Evans-Tipping write for Campden FB

Private Client Senior Associates, James Brockhurst and Charlotte Evans-Tipping, have authored an article on the key legal considerations family offices need to consider when structuring investments for Campden FB.

James Hamilton writes for Investment Monitor on The National Security and Investment Act

Corporate Associate, James Hamilton, together with Arnold Bloch Leibler Partner, Christine Fleer, have authored an article for Investment Monitor on The National Security and Investment Act.

The frantic race for the stamp duty deadline: Lucy Barber quoted in The Times

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, was quoted in The Times article entitled 'The frantic race for the stamp duty deadline'. Currently, more than 700,000 buyers are racing to move before June 30 to save up to £15,000 in stamp duty.

Elizabeth Small writes for Taxation on Residential Property Developer Tax

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, has authored an article for Taxation entitled 'Learning from the past'.

The Grenfell Tower tragedy led the government to announce a £3.5 billion fund to fix dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings and loans to leaseholders in lower-rise buildings.

Insights from Australia on UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 – James Hamilton writes for Acquisitions Daily

Corporate Associate, James Hamilton, has co-authored an article with Christine Fleer of Arnold Bloch Leibler in Australia for Acquisitions Daily.

The future of family business in pandemic recovery – Stuart Hatcher and Alastair Laing write for CampdenFB

Corporate Partners, Stuart Hatcher and Alastair Laing, have authored an article for CampdenFB entitled 'The future of family business in pandemic recovery'.

Ryan Didcock and Sarah Heatley write for the Property Law Journal on the cladding crisis

Property Litigation Senior Associates, Ryan Didcock and Sarah Heatley, write for the Property Law Journal examining the

How a collegiate culture can enhance HNW service: Lucy Barber talks to Spear's

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, shares her insights into Forsters' Private Client property services with Spear's Magazine.

Plastic Packaging Tax - Elizabeth Small and Lianne Baker write for Packaging Europe on PPT

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, and Corporate Knowledge Development Lawyer, Lianne Baker, have authored an article entitled 'Everything you need to know about the UK's incoming Plastic Packaging Tax'.

Simon Blain quoted in the Financial Times on non-domicile divorces in London

Family Partner, Simon Blain's comments have been published in the Financial Times article entitled 'Court of Appeal allows Russian to bring $6bn divorce claim in London'.

James Brockhurst writes for CampdenFB on decentralised finance

Private Client Senior Associate, James Brockhurst's article entitled 'The DeFi revolution: The opportunities and the risks for family offices' has been published in CampdenFB.

Grass Isn’t Always Greener Outside The City: Helen Marsh writes for Wealth Briefing

Residential Property Partner, Helen Marsh, has authored an article for Wealth Briefing entitled 'Grass Isn’t Always Greener Outside The City'.

James Brockhurst quoted in Citywealth on non-fungible tokens

Private Client Senior Associate, James Brockhurst’s comments have been featured in a Citywealth article entitled ‘NFT Mania: innovation frontier’.

Is mediation the right route for our divorce? Jamie Gaw answers the Financial Times reader's question

Jamie Gaw, Senior Associate and Mediator in our Family team, answers a reader's question in the Financial Times entitled ‘Is mediation the right route for our divorce?

Lucy Barber quoted in This Is Money on indemnity insurance

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber's comments have been published in This Is Money's article entitled 'The owner of a house we want to buy extended without planning permission: Can we make it above board or is it best avoided?'.

Guy Abrahams and Zahava Lever write for FT Adviser on digital assets

Private Client Partner, Guy Abrahams, and Associate, Zahava Lever, have co-authored an article for FT Adviser entitled ‘How to protect your digital assets after death’.

Lucy Barber writes for Prime Resi on stamp duty deadlines and search insurance

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber’s article entitled ‘On stamp duty deadlines & search insurance’ has been published in Prime Resi.

Ben Walton and Caroline Harbord write for FT Adviser on pensions mis-selling claims

Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution, Ben Walton, and Senior Associate, Caroline Harbord's article entitled ‘Pensions could be the next big area for mis-selling claims' was recently published in FT Adviser.

Corporate Newsletter Issue 4 – Spring 2021

What’s the buzz? What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s a-happening. Unfortunately (from a mindfulness perspective) everyone in business has to mind about the future and from a legal and commercial perspective, the coming months look set to contain opportunities, bear traps, challenges and much more. Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, discusses the latest issues in the Spring 2021 edition of Forsters' Corporate newsletter.

Caught in a completion trap: Charles Miéville and Elizabeth Small write for ePrivateClient

Residential Property Partner, Charles Miéville, and Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, have written an article for ePrivateClient on non-resident SDLT. The article, entitled 'Caught in a completion trap', provides crucial information for non-UK residents investing in English property.

Cladding fund papers over residents’ concerns: Andrew Parker writes for The Times

Construction Partner, Andrew Parker, has authored an article for The Times entitled Cladding fund papers over residents’ concerns.

Commonhold: the third way – Lucy Barber writes for EG

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, has authored an article for the Estates Gazette (EG) entitled 'Commonhold: the third way'.

Elizabeth Oxendale quoted in the Law Society Gazette on the extension to the eviction ban

Property Litigation Associate, Elizabeth Oxendale’s comments have been published in the Law Society Gazette article entitled ’Kicking the can down the road’: eviction ban extended.

Leaseholders and cladding: Sarah Heatley writes for Property Reporter

Sarah Heatley, Senior Associate at Forsters LLP, has written for the Property Reporter online, on the latest updates regarding cladding for leaseholders.

Elizabeth Small quoted in ePrivateClient on the Budget and Corporation Tax

Corporate Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small's comments have been published in the ePrivateClient article entitled 'Budget 2021: Six key takeaways from people in private wealth'.

Kelly Noel-Smith and James Brockhurst write for Campden FB and IFA magazine on the psychology of family governance

Private Client Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, and Senior Associate, James Brockhurst's article on family dynamics has been published in Campden FB and IFA Magazine.

Implications of overseas working: Kelly Noel-Smith and Joe Beeston write for Taxation

Private Client Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, and Senior Employment Associate, Joe Beeston's article entitled 'Implications for employers of overseas working' has been published in Taxation.

LPAs in the time of Coronavirus: Fiona Smith and Michael Armstrong write for Eprivateclient

Private Client Partner, Fiona Smith, and Senior Associate, Michael Armstrong, have published an article entitled ‘LPAs in the time of Coronavirus’ in Eprivateclient.

Tax, tax and more tax: Elizabeth Small quoted in Citywealth

Corporate Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, has been extensively quoted in the Citywealth article entitled ‘Tax, tax and more tax’.

Simon Blain quoted in ePrivateclient on negative contributions in divorce proceedings

Family Partner, Simon Blain’s comments have been published in an ePrivateclient article entitled “The dangers of crying ‘negative contribution’ in divorce proceedings”.

Private Client 2021 - Lexology - Getting The Deal Through

In Lexology Getting the Deal Through's Private Client 2021 guide, Forsters' Private Wealth team have outlined the important estate planning issues that international clients need to consider if they wish to invest in or come to the UK.

Andrew Parker comments on Government's 'Token gesture' plan to end unsafe cladding

Construction Partner, Andrew Parker, was quoted in the Law Society Gazette and Property Week following his comments in the wake of the Government's announcement of a revised plan to end unsafe cladding in residential buildings across England.

USA: a whirlwind with Covid and Biden election – Emma White quoted in CityWealth

Private Client Partner, Emma White, has been quoted in the CityWealth article entitled 'USA: a whirlwind with Covid and Biden election'.

Lucy Barber quoted in the Daily Mail on estate rent charges

Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, was quoted in the Daily Mail article entitled 'The freehold house we have fallen in love with is on a managed estate: What are 'estate rent charges' and is our 'freehold' compromised?'.

What the business interruption case means for clients: Anna Mullins writes for FT Adviser

Property Litigation Senior Associate, Anna Mullins's article entitled ‘What the business interruption case means for clients’ has been published in the FT Adviser.

Elizabeth Oxendale quoted in the Investors Chronicle on challenges to the buy-to-let market

Property Litigation Associate, Elizabeth Oxendale’s comments have been published in an Investors Chronicle article entitled ‘Is the buy-to-let market too risky?’

Natasha Rees quoted in The Times on the government’s leasehold reform proposals

Head of Property Litigation, Natasha Rees’s comments have been published in The Times article entitled ‘Radical plan’ for leasehold reform.

Natasha Rees quoted in FT Adviser on the government’s latest leasehold reforms

Head of Property Litigation, Natasha Rees’s comments have been published in the FT Adviser article entitled ‘Govt scraps ground rent for millions of leaseholders’.

Sub-zero: Will negative interest rates heat up the UK housing market? – Elizabeth Small and Nicholas Owen write for Property Reporter

There is a concern that the property market in England is already overheating because of the temporary lower SDLT rates and the “race for space” as many office workers realise that working from home may be coupled with more space if they move away from the inner cities or even the traditional commuter belt. But could this trend be amplified?