Blogs
Leaseholder challenges unfair service charge – a case study
If a landlord, freeholder or managing agent is planning to use service charge to fund major works or enter into a long-term agreement, they must consult leaseholders first. If this process is not followed, leaseholders can challenge the demand. The following case study provides an example of this, ....
A lesson for landlords – how to minimise disputes and avoid unnecessary legal costs
Our Dispute Resolution team has recently worked on a case which highlights the importance of landlords ensuring they are fully compliant with all their legal obligations. Read our case study to find out what happened when a landlord attempted to serve a Section 21 notice without fulfilling all thei....
Residential property litigation: explained
Property is often someone’s biggest asset, so disputes can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. Our team of friendly experts can assist with any kind of personal property dispute. In this blog, you can find out more about the litigation process. What is residential property litig....
Commercial property litigation: explained
If you’re a landlord or managing agent of commercial property, finding yourself in a dispute can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. In certain circumstances, it can be very challenging to find a solution without professional legal intervention. In this blog, we outline what you need to know....
Simply the best: top places to live in Hertfordshire and Essex
Finding a new home is hard enough. Moving to a new location can make the task even harder. From transport links and school ratings to green spaces and local services, there’s a lot to consider when deciding where to live. In the latest Attwaters Private Wealth Guide, we highlighted two p....
More patients could be at risk as mental health negligence cases soar
Mental health patients face an increased risk of receiving substandard care than before. The number of mental health and psychiatric negligence claims settled by the NHS increased by 73% between April 2017 and March 2025 – the biggest rise compared with 17 other disciplines. Negligent decision....
Mental health medical negligence: giving everyone a voice
The number of people reporting mental health problems has been steadily increasing. Yet the resources needed to support them is declining – especially within the NHS. According to the British Medical Association, mental illness beds in England have decreased by 24% since 2011 while the average....
High Court dismisses freeholders’ challenge to Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The High Court has ruled that the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act (LAFRA) 2024 is lawful, dismissing claims that it breaches the right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions under Article 1 of the First Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). On the 24 October 2025, after a j....
Developing agricultural land: Addressing the challenges of acquisition
The UK’s agricultural land market has been an attractive proposition for investors for a long time as they attempt to bank land and take advantage of rural expansion. Whilst farm land was once the reserve of farming families, agricultural land is increasingly drawing the attention of this wide....
Tougher lifetime gifting rules could increase inheritance tax liabilities
Charitable donations. Listed buildings. Business shares. These are just some of the gifts that can be made without incurring inheritance tax (IHT), but only if you know how to make the most of different reliefs and exemptions. The rules around gifting and IHT can be very difficult to follow – ....
Recognise the asset protection trust red flags
Asset protection trusts are a legitimate way to manage your estate to make sure your money goes where you want after your death. However, in recent years, more people in vulnerable circumstances have been mis-sold schemes that fail to protect their basic interests. Worse, these schemes can lock the....
Why consider a solicitor as your Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document appointing someone to deal with your financial and legal affairs in the event that this ever becomes necessary. In some cases, people appoint a trusted relative or friend to fulfil the role. Before you make that choice, though, ask yourself if y....
