Recent News
We shall be providing a selection of press releases and news items on a regular basis. Please keep an eye on this space.
Legal Matters
Happy Birthday HIP's?
Press Release: 5th November 2008
Home Information Packs (HIP’s) have now been with us for just over a year.
A recent investigation by Birmingham Trading Standards found the HIP’s from 5 out of 6 local agencies were unsatisfactory. HIP’s have been described as the worst piece of consumer legislation in the last 30 years. It is vital that Purchasers have the contents properly checked by a conveyancer to ensure the accuracy of the information and that they know what they are buying.
For help and assistance please contact a member of HPW’s property team on 0208 735 9770
OFT recommends Regulation of Sale and Leaseback Firms
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has recently reported that in its opinion the Sale and Leaseback industry should be made subject to statutory regulation probably by the FSA. With the property market in a period of decline many people have been attracted to schemes whereby their home is sold to a third party on the basis that they will then continue to live in the property as a tenant. The sector is currently unregulated and concerns have been raised over the suitability of these schemes for some people and also the way some schemes have operated. The OFT concludes that it is vital that people entering into these schemes have an opportunity to take advice on the scheme and that the Provider is transparent in terms of the disclosure of information over the valuation and proposed tenancy. The OFT is keen to ensure that consumers are protected and where appropriate have access to a redress scheme. Regulation by the FSA could ensure that these safeguards are in place.
Estate Agents Redress Schemes become Compulsory from 1st October 2008
From the 1st October all residential estate agencies must be a member of a redress scheme for clients approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). One of the most popular schemes is the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) who will investigate complaints without charge to the member of the public and can award compensation of up to £25000 for financial loss, aggravation, distress and inconvenience. Any decision which they make is binding upon the Agent.
Agents who have not joined an approved scheme risk on the spot fines of £1000 from Trading Standards Officers and the risk of being reported to the OFT who have powers to ban people from acting as an estate agent.
Family courts to fast track collaborative agreements
Press Release: 14th October 2008 (source: "Solicitors Journal")
Family lawyers who have successfully negotiated collaborative agreements with couples will be able to get them fast tracked through the courts, a senior High Court judge has said. Read Full Report
If you have any queries please contact our collaborative lawyer Karen Shury who has a calm and supportive manner and is interested in a non adversarial approach to resolving relationship disputes and as such is a member of Resolution
DD: 020 8735 9791 or e-mail ks@hpwsolicitors.co.uk
Boundary Disputes - RICS launch new dispute resolution service
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched a new Dispute Resolution Service offering a fixed fee scheme hoped to help people to resolve neighbour disputes. Details can be found www.rics.org/drs
David Whitney Property Litigation Partner says: "This is a welcome new service. Neighbour disputes can all too often escalate out of all proportion and in my experience by the time the Courts become involved invariably neither party is entirely satisfied with the outcome. An impartial, transparent service which can view the matter for a fixed cost at the outset will, I am sure, help to settle many of these issues at a very early stage"
Warning about equity release schemes
Consumer group issues a warning about equity release schemes which should only be considered as a last resort. If you are considering taking out an equity release or are worried about the contents of this article and wish to take advice please phone either Miss Sarah Willcox or Mrs Outi Hubbard.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7627778.stm
EPC’s for Residential Tenancies
From the 1st October 2008 all Landlords letting property will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A copy of the EPC should be provided to the tenant. EPC’s are available from an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Each EPC will generally be valid for 10years and the penalty for non compliance is a potential fine of £200. read news report
Stamp Duty Holiday
As many will have read the Chancellor has announced that for a period of twelve months stamp duty will not be payable in respect of residential properties costing less than £175 000. People should be aware that this means that all such transactions must complete by 2nd September 2009 to take advantage of this benefit. Sadly it does not affect higher value property!
New Council of Mortgage Lender Requirements for New Build Property
From the 1st September 2008 if you are looking to purchase a new build property with the benefit of a mortgage new rules will apply. These mean that the Developer will be required to disclose any and all incentives to your mortgage lender. This will include all incentives and generally your conveyancer will need to send a special form to your lender advising them of the same. It is vital therefore that when arranging your mortgage you tell your Broker or Lender so that incentives can be disclosed at that time preventing any delays later on in the process.
"Lease extensions: now is the time to act"
says David Whitney, our Property Specialist
Many people will currently be seeing a reduction in the value of their property. It is the right time to consider extending your lease. We at HPW LLP have a wealth of experience in undertaking lease extensions on behalf of our clients.
Contact David on dw@hpwsolicitors.co.uk for a no obligation initial chat.
Local Hammersmith man wins compensation after fall in street
Press Release: 7th July 2008
Settlement of Spinal Injury case led by Charlotte Pegman
Press Release: 6th July 2008
Interesting case against Brent Council - Polish client successfully claims £22,500
Press Release: 26th May 2008
A Polish client from Willesden has just won £22,500 in a long and hard-fought case against Brent Council after she tripped on the pavement outside a school where she had been at choir practice, injuring her ankle and knee. As is so often the case, the inspection system had failed and the area was not well lit, but the Council maintained the injured woman should have looked where she was going. Press Release
Prison Officer Awarded Over £500,000 Against Ministry Of Justice Negligence
Press Release: 26th October 2007
In the Royal Courts of Justice today Judge Foster, QC, awarded David Lloyd over £500,000 after he had been assaulted and partially blinded in one eye. Read the Press Release
Firm News
London Family Lawyers say no to acrimony and celebrate
5 years' success of Collaborative Law
Press Release: 15th October 2008
The London Collaborative Umbrella Group hosted a celebrity reception at Shoreditch House on 14th October 2008 where our collaborative laawyer Karen Shury represented HPW LLP.
HPW LLP celebrates its 1st anniversary today
Press Release: 1st October 2008
Year of hard work is now behind us and we look back and also to the future.
Many thanks to our clients who have believed and trusted us. Huge thank you to all our staff for their hard work.
HPW team is helping Children’s Safety Education Foundation to raise money in support of “Junior Citizen” child safety event
Press Release: 29th September 2008
Over 1500 children attending primary schools in Hammersmith and Fulham will visit Junior Citizen child safety event. This year’s event will be held at Linford Christie Stadium from September 29th to October 10th.
HPW team attendance at 'Hammersmith Drinks' business networking event organised by St Paul's
Press Release: 23rd of September 2008
Sarah Willcox, Dorota Sookanadenchetty, Steven Keenan represented HPW at St Paul's yesterday during the business networking event. Meeting people from different areas of business, talking about ideas and different projects in an informal way was an excellent experience for us. Many thanks and huge support to the wonderful hosts.
Eden Cocks joins HPW today as a Trainee Solicitor
Press Release: 3rd September2008
Simon Levi joins HPW today. He joins a buzzing commercial conveyancing department.
Press Release: 28th July 2008
Steven Keenan joins HPW today as their new Trainee Solicitor.
Press Release: 21st July 2008
HPW team completed the 10 mile walk at Blenheim Pallace on 31st May 2008
The blisters are just about healing! Thank you to all the very kind sponsors. We raised hundreds of pounds for a fantastic charity. If you want to look at their website please view www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Sponsoring 2008 Bedford Park Festival
HPW will sponsor all the musical events for the whole festival. This will include a Mozart concert, an evening of Bach Cantatas and a series of concerts in a private house in Bedford Park.
HPW LLP team for the 10 miles Ribbon Walk.
Fundraising for Breast Cancer Care!
On 31st of May Outi Hubbard, Charlotte Pegman and Sarah Willcox are taking part in 10 miles Blenheim Palace & Cotswolds Ribbon Walk, which is to support fundraising for Breast Cancer Care.
Participating in such event they will help Breast Cancer Care to ensure that the 44300 women and 300 men who are diagnosed in the UK each year receive the support and information they need, when they need it most.
Beauty Never Fails- Exhibition
Press Release: 14th May 2008
The partners of Hubbard Pegman and Whitney are proud to sponsor this exhibition which is in support of The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. This charity aims to increase public awareness of the nature, symptoms and dangers of depression. Please see www.cwmt.org
The exhibition is a rare opportunity to view exhibited painitngs bequeathed by Cecil French to Fulham Council in 1953. The exhibition runs from 22nd May until 1st June 2008 at Fulham Palace.
Hope Liebersohn, Karen Shury
and Dorota Sookanadenchetty
represent HPW Hammersmith Solicitors
at the British Polish Business Club Launch
Press Release: 1st May 2008
The first event, which launched the activities of the British Polish Business Club in London, drinks reception on the Thames, was held on 15th April 2008 at the Yacht Club in London.
The event took place in informal surroundings on a boat moored on the Thames (The Yacht Club). The evening included a prize draw in which the Director of LOT for the UK and Ireland, Slawomir Noszczak, and Minister Trepczynski assisted in giving away the prizes.
The Taste & Buy company provided a bottle of champagne, along with a bottle of white wine and one of red - which were won by Dorota Sookanadenchetty.
The Knaypa Restaurant in West London funded two vouchers for a dinner for two, and these were won by Hope Libersohn.
Karen Shury joins Hubbard Pegman & Whitney
Press Release: 1st March 2008
Karen Shury, an experienced Family Solicitor, has joined Hubbard Pegman & Whitney LLP. Karen has practiced family law in the local area for many years. Her skills also include mediation and dispute resolution. She is a member of Resolution and the Law Society's Family Panel.
HPW Celebrate Launch At Lyric Theatre
Press Release: 14th November 2007
The partners of Hubbard Pegman & Whitney LLP launched their new solicitors
practice in Hammersmith in style at the Lyric recently. They started with a
workshop with the Lyric Young Company, facilitated by David Baker. Read the Press Release
