2023

The overriding concern of the industry is that the government’s proposals will lead to even less housing being delivered - Victoria Du Croz quoted in the Financial Times

Planning Partner, Victoria Du Croz, has been quoted in the FT article entitled “Michael Gove insists he has not ‘abandoned’ local housing targets.”

Speaking on Tuesday 19 December, as the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published, Michael Gove said that local authorities will be given three months to deliver housing plans or face losing planning powers.

To Advise or Not to Advise? Timothy Evans and Olivia Longrigg write for Financial Remedies Journal

Family Associates, Timothy Evans and Olivia Longrigg, have written a piece for the Financial Remedies Journal providing commentary following the case of Lewis v Cunningtons Solicitors [2023] EWHC 822 (KB) which concerned a professional negligence claim against the claimant’s matrimonial solicitors.

“Family Wars - lessons to be learned from conflicts” The Royal Gazette covers Nick Jacob’s STEP seminar

Private Client Partner, Nick Jacob, was invited to present a session at the recent STEP Bermuda Conference 2023. His session, entitled ‘Family Wars - lessons to be learned from conflicts’ has since been covered in an article by The Royal Gazette.

Spurs result flags up venues’ residential neighbour disputes – Victoria Du Croz speaks to Property Week

Head of Planning, Victoria Du Croz, has spoken to Property Week on how a legal dispute recently lost by Tottenham Hotspur football club has returned attention to the debate over the balance of rights and obligations for both businesses and local residents.

"Succession planning down on the farm" Forsters Partner, Polly Montoneri quoted in the Times

Rural, Land and Business Partner, Polly Montoneri shares her insights on the rise in proprietary estoppel cases, in the Times article entitled "Succession planning down on the farm".

Damages: an appropriate remedy? – Natasha Rees writes for EG

The Estates Gazette have featured an article by Natasha Rees on the conclusion of the nuisance case against the Tate Gallery.

Is there a capital gains tax problem on sale of marital property? Michael Armstrong and Rebecca Anstey write for Taxation

Private Client Counsel, Michael Armstrong, and Private Client Associate, Rebecca Anstey, have written a piece for Taxation answering the reader’s question ‘Is there a capital gains tax problem on sale of marital property?’

Consider the following options… - Elizabeth Small writes for Taxation

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, has written for Taxation on the tax consequences of the different ways of owning and operating a hotel.

Building liability orders lift the corporate veil on developers – Andrew Parker writes for Property Week

Construction Partner and Head of Building Safety, Andrew Parker, has written for Property Week on how, a year on from the passing of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA), we are now starting to see the cumulative effect of all the new devices for holding the residential development industry to account for the building safety crisis.

Kelly Noel-Smith and John FitzGerald write for Taxation on the UK tax residence net

Private Client Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, and Private Client Senior Associate, John FitzGerald, have written an article for Taxation entitled ‘No escape’ in which they explore the question of whether an individual escapes the UK tax net when they become non-UK resident?

Will lease extension be deemed a disposal for tax purposes? Elizabeth Small and Lucy Barber write for Taxation

Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small, and Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, have answered a reader’s question for Taxation on lease extensions.

In the article, entitled ‘Will extension be deemed a disposal for tax purposes?’, the reader asks:

The charge of microgrids – Louise Irvine speaks to Property Week

Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer in the Commercial Real Estate team, Louise Irvine, has spoken to Property Week on energy alternatives for developers, should the national grid run out of capacity.

Next steps to supporting later living’s golden age – Amy France writes for EG

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Later Living, Amy France, has written for EG on the growth of the later living sector and how, despite this, there are several issues in need of government and industry attention in order to maintain the momentum.

Jo Edwards quoted in The Times on the Parental Alienation debate

In The Times’ article entitled “Parental alienation triggers debate”, Head of Family, Jo Edwards shares her views on some of the challenges facing the courts in complex private law children cases.

Wealth that works: Alfred Liu joins other private wealth experts for an ESG-focussed STEP Journal roundtable discussion

Private Client Senior Associate, Alfred Liu, shared his views as a Family Governance and Next Gen adviser at the latest STEP Journal roundtable discussion, sponsored by Hawksford.

Could census data be better used to determine housing supply? – Matthew Evans and Helen Streeton write for CoStar

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Forsters’ Build to Rent group, Helen Streeton, and Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans, have written for CoStar on how the data is there to get new homes built, and why it is not currently being mined.

Releasing 1.4% of greenbelt could deliver 1m homes – Matthew Evans quoted in Property Week

Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans, has been quoted by Property Week reacting to a recent report that has revealed that building on just 1.4% of the green belt, would accommodate the government’s target of 1m homes before the next general election.

Developers get ready for BNG – Sophie Smith quoted in Property Week

Planning Associate, Sophie Smith, has been quoted in Property Week’s latest piece addressing biodiversity net gain (BNG) and the November deadline for developers.

From November, developers in England will have to ensure any projects they undertake produce a BNG of at least 10% - and put a plan in place to ensure the gain is maintained for 30 years or more.

Experts call for Crooked House to be restored to former glory – Matthew Evans speaks to Property Week

Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans, has been quoted in Property Week’s latest piece on the ‘iconic’ Crooked House in Dudley following its recent demolition.

A blend of features in vineyard planning – Victoria Du Croz and Idina Glyn write for EG

Head of Planning, Victoria Du Croz, and Private Client Senior Associate, Idina Glyn, have co-written a piece for Estates Gazette on the important planning implications of the supply network involved in the UK’s wine production.

Logistics needs to reach a more diverse talent pool – Victoria Towers writes to Property Week Editor

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Co-Head of the Industrial and Logistics group, Victoria Towers, has written to the Editor of Property Week on how “the recent announcement that the Generation Logistics campaign, which aims to improve recruitment and retention in the logistics workforce, securing another year of government funding is welcome news for the sector, where there remains a critical need to expand the labour pool.”

AI In The Charitable And Philanthropic Sectors: A Risk Or Opportunity? Neasa Coen writes for IFC Review

Neasa Coen, Counsel in the Charities and Philanthropy team, has authored an article for IFC Review entitled ‘AI In The Charitable And Philanthropic Sectors: A Risk Or Opportunity?’

Bryan Shacklady quoted in Law 360 article - Forex Ruling Signals ‘Permissive’ Approach to Class Actions

Dispute Resolution Counsel, Bryan Shacklady was quoted in Law 360’s recent article on the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to allow a £2.7 billion forex rigging claim to proceed as an opt-out collective action.

Industry reaction to Gove’s housing plan – Victoria Du Croz speaks to the Press

Partner and Head of Planning, Victoria Du Croz, has been quoted in numerous broadsheet and industry publications this week on the government’s response to the recent local elections.

When can a creditor get a piece of the pie? – Patricia Boon and Maryam Oghanna write for ThoughtLeaders4 Private Client Magazine

In an article entitled La Dolce Vita – When can a creditor get a piece of the pie?

Jo Edwards quoted in the FT on the Government’s proposal to introduce mandatory mediation in family cases

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, has been quoted in the FT on her response to the UK government’s proposal to mandate mediation for separating couples before being able to make a court application, in an effort to ease the pressure on the justice system.

Progress on energy use is essential – Edward Glass responds to Property Week Editor

Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate and member of our Sustainability group, Edward Glass, has written to the Editor of Property Week, Lem Bingley, agreeing with his latest leader column that the Climate Change Committee’s negative assessment of progress in decarbonising buildings is deeply worrying.

The challenge faced by the Older People’s Housing Taskforce – Amy France writes for Property Week

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Later Living, Amy France, has written for Property Week on how the Older People’s Housing Taskforce will fare in tackling one of the UK’s biggest challenges: How can suitable housing options be provided for later life?

Singapore’s The Business Times features Nick Jacob’s insights on succession in Asia

Private Client Partner, Nick Jacob, has been profiled by Singapore’s The Business Times, in an article entitled ‘Business families’ secret to succession is when boss/dad/mum learns to let go’. Labelled “the godfather of Asian Family Governance work" in the Chambers HNW 2022 Guide, Nick has unparalleled experience advising high net worth clients on putting together plans that provide for family succession, the protection of the family business, the avoidance of family disputes, and all aspects of international family governance.

Are film studios about to go Back to the Future? – Owen Spencer writes for EG

Commercial Real Estate Counsel and member of our Film and TV Studios group, Owen Spencer, has written for EG on how hiring production space at film studios differs from other real estate sectors.

BPF leads industry calls to scrap infrastructure levy plans – Victoria Du Croz and Helen Streeton speak to Property Week

Partner and Head of Planning Victoria Du Croz, and Partner and Head of Build to Rent Helen Streeton, have featured in Property Week’s latest piece on the BFP’s opposition to government proposed new infrastructure levy plans.

The year of the great care home revival – Amy France writes for CoStar

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Later Living, Amy France, has written for CoStar on how 2023 is seeing a return to full health for the care home sector, following a period of dramatic drop-off in terms of occupancy rates during the pandemic.

Shorter, faster, better, stronger – Andrew Crabbie speaks to IREI

Partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate, Andrew Crabbie, has featured in Institutional Real Estate, Inc.'s latest piece on how an increase in flexible leases will drive up innovation, rental income and standards across every conceivable metric.

My PRIDE Story: Charles Miéville writes for The Lawyer

Residential Property Partner, Charles Miéville, has authored a personal article for The Lawyer entitled ‘My Pride Story: With increased visibility it’s easy to forget that success may not come so easily to some’.

Evolving industrial and logistics sector finds reason for optimism – Victoria Towers speaks to Property Week

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Co-Head of the Industrial & Logistics group, Victoria Towers, has spoken to Property Week on Forsters’ survey, conducted for our recent ‘Outside the Box’ campaign, on current market sentiment within the Industrial and Logistics space.

Why the logistics sector is under pressure to evolve – Victoria Towers writes for React News

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Co-Head of the Industrial & Logistics group, Victoria Towers, has written for React News on the evolution of the logistics sector and how owners are pushing to innovate and meet sustainability goals.

Enforcing net zero targets – Louise Irvine writes for EG

In the final article of a three-part series on ESG and sustainability, Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer, Louise Irvine, has written for Estates Gazette on the rise of sustainable leases and the challenges around enforcement.

Renters' Reform Bill may introduce new risks for tenants – Anna Mullins comments

Property Litigation Partner, Anna Mullins, has been quoted in Property Week and Property Reporter on the long-awaited Renters’ Reform Bill entering Parliament, and the new risks it may pose for both landlords and tenants.

Thoughts on the Ministry of Defence v. Annington Homes – Julia Tobbell speaks to Lawyer in the News

Property Litigation Partner, Julia Tobbell, has recently been profiled by the Law Society Gazette in their feature, Lawyer in the News.

Working together towards net zero – Laura Haworth and Louise Irvine write for EG

In the second article of a three-part series on ESG and sustainability, Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate, Laura Haworth, and Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer, Louise Irvine, have written for Estates Gazette on how landlords and tenants should collaborate on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Net zero and the push for a greener tomorrow – Laura Haworth and Louise Irvine write for EG

In the first article of a three-part series on ESG and sustainability, Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate, Laura Haworth, and Senior Knowledge Development Lawyer, Louise Irvine, have contributed a piece to Estates Gazette about the UK’s pathway to reach net zero by

Developments in the UK film and TV sector - Owen Spencer speaks to Property Week

Commercial Real Estate Counsel and member of the Film & TV Studios group, Owen Spencer, has spoken to Property Week about how the last 12 months have seen a change from the rapid rise in film and TV studio space, which the industry had enjoyed throughout the five years prior.

Taking Care: Europe’s (sometimes) controversial later living market – Amy France speaks to Institutional Real Estate, Inc.

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Later Living, Amy France, is quoted in Institutional Real Estate, Inc.’s latest piece on Europe’s later living market, which looks at how private capital is sometimes prevented from entering the sector, and how more uniform regulation could reassure investors.

Analysis of Supreme Court’s decision in Moulsdale v CRC: Elizabeth Small writes for Taxation

Corporate Tax Partner, Elizabeth Small touches on the Supreme Court’s decision in Moulsdale v CRC, concluding that taxpayers using anti-avoidance provisions against HMRC and arguing for a wide construction of the anti-avoidance rules are never going to gain much traction with the courts.

Government’s proposals to increase planning fees ‘broadly welcomed’ – Matthew Evans speaks to Property Week

Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans, has spoken to Property Week’s Ciaran Nerval on how the government’s proposals to “hike up planning fees for developers” have been “broadly welcomed”.

Government's older person housing taskforce has its work cut out – Natalie Cameron writes for React News

Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate and member of the Later Living team, Natalie Cameron, has written for React News on the Government’s recent progress in establishing an “Older People’s Housing Taskforce” and the appointment of Professor Julienne Meyer as its Chair.

Will My Prenup Be Valid When I Move To England? - Simon Blain writes for Abode2

Prenups are often familiar territory to many HNW and UHNW international couples. Still, careful consideration must take place pre-arrival and once moved, as prenups aren’t automatically enforceable in the English courts.

Avoiding Unwanted Tax Liabilities When Buying a Home in the UK - Xavier Nicholas writes for Abode2

Alongside identifying quality support on conveyancing, it is essential that international buyers seek legal advice on the tax implications of acquiring a home in the UK.

Unexpected tax liabilities can surprise the unprepared, while well-advised buyers will have the best chance of limiting their exposure.

‘We need to get the green belt back on the agenda’ – Matthew Evans writes for React News

Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans, has written a piece for React News on the need for the government to develop its strategy when it comes to housing delivery by once again focusing on green belt sites, rather than solely brownfields as they are currently.

International Buyers Continue To Seek UK Homes Despite UK Economy Concerns - Charles Miéville writes for Abode2

Despite the UK economy and house prices in many sectors currently falling, prime residential property is a sector of the market which continues to flourish as a popular choice for international HNW and UHNW clients looking to relocate or invest.

The Great Freeze UK style – Maryam Oghanna writes for Private Client Business

Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate, Maryam Oghanna, together with Richard Dew of Ten Old Square, have authored an article for Private Client Business on the effect of UK sanctions on trusts with a connection to Russia.

Claims against Accessories to breach of trust: Spotlight on dishonest assistance – Maryam Oghanna writes for ThoughtLeaders4 Private Client Magazine

Maryam Oghanna, Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, has authored an article for Thought Leaders 4 on the topic of claims against accessories to breach of trust.

The article was first published in ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Divorce Magazine in March 2023 and can be read in full below.

Divorces hit ten-year high as financial strains show: Dickon Ceadel quoted in ‘The Times’

Family Partner, Dickon Ceadel, has been quoted in ‘The Times’ on the rise in divorce applications as the increased cost of living puts marriages under further strain.

Industry warns of development delays for Infrastructure Levy – Victoria Du Croz speaks to Property Week

Partner and Head of Planning, Victoria Du Croz, has spoken to Property Week about the government’s proposed new Infrastructure Levy, the consultation for which launched last week, and the likelihood of it causing delays to future developments.

Sharing the Load – Andrew Parker speaks to Construction News

Construction Partner, Andrew Parker, has been quoted heavily in Construction News’ James Wilmore’s latest piece on the role of collaborative risk-sharing in preserving the resilience and capacity of the construction industry in times to come.

How to avoid double taxation and UK inheritance tax? Xavier Nicholas answers reader question in the FT

Head of Private Client, Xavier Nicholas, answers a reader in the Financial Times who asked how, as US citizens moving to the UK, he and his family could avoid the traps of double taxation and manage exposure to UK inheritance tax.

Property sector’s net zero 2050 target ‘will be missed’ – Edward Glass speaks to Property Week

Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate, Edward Glass, has contributed to Property Week’s latest commentary on how the majority of senior property industry leaders believe the government will fail to deliver a net zero property sector by 2050.

A tale of two halves… – Victoria Towers speaks to Logistics Manager

Partner and Co-Head of Industrial & Logistics, Victoria Towers, has provided expert commentary to Logistics Manager magazine on the growing discrepancy between the sector’s occupier market and investment market; how the former remains strong, but the latter has nosedived.

The Taxation of Heritage Assets: Rebecca Meade writes for ThoughtLeaders4

Private Client Senior Associate, Rebecca Meade, has authored an article for the ThoughtLeaders4 Private Client Tax Magazine entitled ‘Saving heritage assets for the nation whilst saving tax – the taxation of heritage assets’.

Why Family Governance is Important – Patricia Boon speaks to Jersey Finance

Private Client Partner, Patricia Boon, speaks to Jersey Finance about what Family Governance means and why it is so important for wealthy families in Asia.

Speaking to Business Development Consultant, Maria McDermott, Patricia explains the concept of family governance and shares why it is so important in succession planning, particularly in times of divorce or conflict.

The later living sector needs a boost – Amy France speaks to Property Week

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Later Living, Amy France, has spoken to Property Week about the International Longevity Centre’s research into Later Living and how this can trigger progress by tackling issues that have held back growth and innovation in the sector.

The role of grandparents: Ellen Jones writes for Family Law Journal

Family Trainee Solicitor, Ellen Jones, has authored an article for the Family Law Journal entitled ‘The role of grandparents’.

Mind The Step: Simon Blain and Ellen Jones write for Family Law Journal

Family Partner, Simon Blain, and Family Trainee Solicitor, Ellen Jones, have authored an article for the Family Law Journal entitled ‘Mind The Step: rights and obligations of the step-parent.

Design codes: a thing of beauty, or else… – Victoria Du Croz writes for EG

Partner and Head of Planning, Victoria Du Croz, has written for EG on Michael Gove’s recent statement to the Centre for Policy Studies that the government will do everything in its power to prevent the development of homes that are “not aesthetically of high quality”.

Now that the sale of Channel 4 is off, what does that mean for its property strategy? – Owen Spencer speaks for React News

Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate and member of our Film & TV Studios Group, Owen Spencer, has written for React News on the ongoing ownership saga surrounding Channel 4, and how staying in public ownership – in addition the departure from its role as “publisher-broadcaster” – may result in greater investment in regional production facilities.

Lights, Camera, Action! Film Studios Demand Creating Massive UK Opportunity – Owen Spencer writes for CoStar

Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate and member of our Film & TV Studios Group, Owen Spencer, has written for CoStar about how both the government and real estate industry should be alive to a major opportunity which could drive the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.