Gazumping and gazundering – perils in an uncertain market

Research suggests that nearly a third of recent sellers have suffered gazundering, which property pundits attribute to a downturn in the market. But, in some areas, the lack of suitable properties means there is still fierce competition for homes, with buyers trying to outbid each other via gazumping. ‘It is certainly a challenging time to be moving home,’ agrees Lucy Gilman, Head of the Wetherby Office with Ware & Kay Solicitors. ‘Unfortunately, some buyers and sellers are taking advantage of the current market to renegotiate the agreed price, threatening to pull out if their demands are not met. The good news is there are things you and your solicitor can do to reduce the risks.’ Gazundering, and why it is a problem With gazundering, the parties agree on a price, and the sale is proceeding…

Spring 2024 employment law round up

‘This year is a busy one for employment legislation, after a few quiet years,’ says Kalpesh Nakeshree, Head of Employment Law with Ware & Kay. ‘The Government has backed a number of private members’ bills which are now coming into force. In addition to the usual annual increases to statutory rates, there are several important changes that employers need to know about,’ Kalpesh continues. Record keeping under working time regulations From 1 January 2024, the rules requiring employers to record their employees’ daily working hours have been relaxed. Instead, employers need to keep records to show compliance with the Working Time Regulations 1998. Increased flexibility in taking paternity leave Following the birth or adoption of a child, an eligible father or partner can take one or two weeks’ leave. The rules have become more flexible…

We’re proud to support Update Your Will Week 2024

 Update Your Will Week from the 4th – 10th March is an annual campaign hosted by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers.   It aims to raise awareness around the risks of not having an up to date Will and encourages people to update their Will to ensure their wishes are carried out when they die.   Why is it important to have an up to date Will?   Having an up to date, well-drafted will is crucial to ensure your wishes are carried out in the way you’d like when you die. Knowing you’ve chosen what you want to happen can also help ease distress for loved ones left behind and minimise potential disputes.   If you die without a Will, any assets that belonged to you must be distributed according to the strict rules…

Saint Catherine's Hospice Make a Will Week 22 April to 26 April, 2024

We are delighted to support the Saint Catherine’s Hospice Make a Will Week. We have agreed to give our time and expertise for free to support Saint Catherine’s Hospice Make a Will Week Catherine’s Hospice Make a Will Week. We will happily meet with you to take your instructions for a simple Will during this week and draft a professional Will in accordance with those instructions. We will also meet with you again for your Will to be signed by the end of May 2024. In return, you will make a donation to Saint Catherine’s. Our suggested minimum is £200* per single Will and £350* per matching pair. This is payable at the time you sign your Will with us and we will forward the donation to Saint Catherine’s Catherine’s. *If your Will requires advice of a complex nature, or because of any failure on your own part to complete the Will…