Blogs
The introduction of VAT on private school fees
In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the government’s plans to end tax breaks on private schools; as of 1 January 2025, the standard 20% VAT rate is applicable on private school fees. This much anticipated reform has sparked concern among parents that they may have to pull the....
Upcoming Stamp Duty changes in the UK – what buyers need to know
In the Autumn Budget 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that Stamp Duty thresholds will revert to previous levels, so buyers will be liable to pay more tax on their house purchases from April 2025. These upcoming changes will have considerable implications, particularly for first-time buyers ....
The importance of pre-nuptial agreements
Pre-nuptial agreements are often dismissed as being “unromantic”. However, research from the Marriage Foundation shows that they neither increase nor reduce the risk of divorce. At Attwaters Jameson Hill, we understand that separating seems unimaginable when you are happily engaged, but we do s....
Making gifts as an attorney or deputy
Gift-giving is a common estate planning that can reduce the value of an estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes and ensure assets are used according to the donor's wishes during their lifetime. However, gift-giving needs to be carefully planned and dealt with cautiously. If you are an attorney or....
How to make use of Taper Relief for Inheritance Tax
As well as being the UK’s least popular tax, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is known by many as a thicket of exemptions and complexities. Anyone who has ever been involved in estate planning will know that navigating tax-free allowances, IHT exemptions and lifetime gifting rules is not simple. This post d....
Advantages of eco-friendly homes
In recent years, eco-friendly homes have increased in popularity, with 76% of potential buyers looking for homes with sustainable features according to Confused.com Energy. In our latest Private Wealth Guide, we featured luxurious homes in Essex and Hertfordshire that don’t compromise on sustaina....
The importance of trusts in wills
We understand that it can feel overwhelming putting your affairs in order. There are many factors to consider when making a will, so it can be tempting to disregard using trusts due to the common assumption that they are complex. However, they are a valuable way of managing your assets that should ....
How to stop the clock on village or town green status
Under longstanding legislation, local residents can claim usage rights over open spaces they use for recreational purposes. This rule, known as village or town green status, can seriously hinder plans for future development of land over which such usage rights are being claimed. However, the pen....
The legacy of wealthy philanthropists in Hertfordshire and Essex
In this year’s Private Wealth Guide, we dug deeper into the philanthropists who have used their wealth for good, helping to make Hertfordshire and Essex the thriving counties they are today. In our Hertfordshire Guide, we spotlighted John Apthorp CBE, who died recently in July 2024 after dedicati....
Leasehold reform – commencement dates announced
As you know, the Leasehold Enfranchisement team at Attwaters Jameson Hill has been closely monitoring new developments in leasehold law for several years now. The highly anticipated Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) gained Royal Assent earlier this year; however, the vast majority of t....
How changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs could impact you
October saw one of the most anticipated Budgets that many of our clients have faced in recent years, with much speculation on the future of Inheritance Tax (IHT). And, as expected, Chancellor Rachel Reeves did indeed announce changes to both Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Proper....
Landowners beware of land thieves (otherwise known as squatters, trespassers and land grabbers).
It is extremely important that landowners understand in what circumstances unscrupulous people can steal control and ownership of their land, and/or gain legal rights over it, without having paid for that ownership or those rights. Tina Dobbs, Senior Associate, in our Commercial Property Department....
