A new initiative from the Government has been announced – Help to Build. Similar to the Help to Buy equity loan, this particular proposal is an equity loan from the government of up to 20% to assist individuals building their own dream home. There are, of course eligibility rules including, you must fully own the [...]
This past year, even more than most, we have had a lot to be thankful for here at Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand. Despite the pressures that all businesses have faced in continuing to navigate the uncertainty and ever changing landscape caused by the Pandemic, we have continued to grow from strength to strength. With new [...]
A recent case of a fraudulent property transaction has been making headlines and provides a stark warning to both conveyancers and property owners. The owner of the property in question was working away from his Luton property when he was informed by neighbours that there was activity in the home. Upon returning, he discovered that [...]
We are delighted to be recognised in the latest Legal 500 UK rankings. Based on feedback from clients and intermediaries, along with submissions made by law firms themselves, The Legal 500 highlights individual solicitors and teams that are providing ‘the most cutting edge and innovative advice’. We are listed under Agriculture and Estates, Real Estate [...]
Anyone who has purchased a property in or around Lancaster within the last few months should already be aware that an Article 4 Direction is coming into force on 10th November 2021 in parts of Lancaster, but what is an Article 4 Direction? An Article 4 Direction is when a Local Council removes permitted development [...]
Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Persimmon Homes have agreed to allow its leaseholders the right to purchase their property’s freehold at a discount. Persimmon Homes currently have a right to buy scheme where the owners of leasehold houses can acquire the freehold, but this new agreement means that the purchase [...]
Legislation brought in on 1 October 2015 imposes additional requirements on landlords in relation to gas safety certificates and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Failing to meet those requirements can render any section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice served invalid, potentially exposing landlords to adverse costs orders when relied on in possession proceedings. Initially, the legislation applied [...]
It has been announced that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will come into force on 6th April 2022. This will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame. Currently the law provides that unless a couple lives separately for at least 2 years then they may only divorce if one person blames the [...]
Press Release: 2 June 2021 Long-established law firm Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand is delighted to announce that it has appointed two new partners. Mark Hutchinson-Lyons and Avelina Wright have both been promoted from associate solicitors to become partners at the firm, which has offices in Lancaster and Kirkby Lonsdale. Mark, 41, who lives at Lancaster, has [...]
Press release: 27 May 2021 The Managing Partner of long-established law firm Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand has been recognised at an awards ceremony celebrating inspirational women. Jennifer Grabowski, 41, was the winner of the Women in Law category at the prestigious She Inspires Awards. In their commendation, judges said: “Jennifer is the Managing Partner of [...]
