Professional indemnity insurer Markel has lost a £16 million negligence dispute with an agricultural lender. The court employed the rarely-used ‘Braganza Test’ to rule that the insurer did not have reasonable grounds for avoiding their policy. UK Acorn Finance…read more
Landowner loses planning appeal over camping pods. Published June 2020
Erecting four camping pods without planning permission got a landowner into hot water with the planning authorities. Martin Baddams installed the camping pods on his land in the New Forest National Park. The Park Authority decided that the pods were…read more
RICS to review valuation practices to combat conflicts of interest. Published May 2020
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is planning to review its valuation practices amid fears that advisory firms could face conflicts of interest. A report in The Times newspaper said that surveyors could be conflicted if “they are appointed…read more
COVID -19 and Important changes to the RICS Minimum Approved Wording – Ensure you are covered!
It is important that you consider adding additional EWS1 limitation wording to your valuation reports to maintain professional indemnity insurance cover as explained below. COVID-19 and Material Valuation Uncertainty In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, upon renewal of professional…read more
Government plans to bring the planning system ‘into the 21st century’. Published May 2020
Government plans to overhaul the planning system will see developers encouraged to build on brownfield sites, convert disused buildings into homes and build around train stations. Robert Jenrick, MP and the Housing Secretary, outlined his proposals ahead of the publication…read more
Valuation office hardens line on business rates relief for redevelopments. Published April 2020
Business premises undergoing redevelopment may be liable to business rates if they can be occupied during the works, the Lands Tribunal has ruled. The decision marks a hardening of the line on the definition of ‘buildings undergoing reconstruction’. Property owners…read more
Coronavirus stalls housing market. Published April 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has stalled the UK housing market, with a combination of government and business action virtually halting house sales and new home building. The government has asked estate agents to work with their clients and all parties in…read more
Government sets up new building safety regulator. Published March 2020
The Government is to establish a new building safety regulator within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It intends that the new regulator will raise building safety and performance standards and will oversee a new, more stringent regime for higher-risk…read more
New home warranty insurer forced to pay out for defective flats. Published March 2020
Zurich Insurance has been forced to pay over £10 million for repairs to a large block of flats in Manchester after owners complained their homes were unsafe. The Court of Appeal ruling sets out the proper interpretation of a liability…read more
Couple sued after failing to reveal neon-lit motel ‘next door’. Published February 2020
A couple are being sued over the sale of their luxury lake-side barn conversion after they failed to reveal plans to build a neon-lit motel ‘next door’. Now the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is warning agents to check…read more
