How Long Does Buying a House Really Take?
If you’re thinking about buying a new home, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: “How long will it take?” As conveyancers, we hear this question a lot, and the honest answer is … It depends! On average, the process takes around 12 weeks from when your offer is accepted to completion (when you get […]
A day in the life of a Residential Conveyancing Trainee Solicitor
Taking the Scenic Route to Qualification Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t take the traditional route into law. After college, I started working as a hotel receptionist, unsure of what I wanted to do long-term. Over the years, I developed strong communication skills, learned how to handle high-pressure situations, and became comfortable dealing with […]
Mediation Workshop at Southampton Solent University: Empowering Future Legal Professionals
At Heppenstalls Solicitors, we are dedicated to shaping the future of the legal profession by providing valuable learning opportunities for law students. Recently, our team had the privilege of leading a mediation workshop for law students at Southampton Solent University, focusing on a Contentious Probate Inheritance Tax dispute. This hands-on session allowed students to step […]
SDLT Changes for First Time Buyers from April 2025
From 1st April 2025, new Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rules will come into effect, directly impacting first time buyers. As part of the changes, the nil-rate band for First Time Buyer Relief will be reduced from £425,000 to £300,000. This means that from April 2025 first time buyers purchasing properties above £300,000 will face additional […]
Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common: What’s the Difference?
When buying a property with someone else in England and Wales, you must choose between owning it as joint tenants or tenants in common. This decision affects your rights, how ownership is shared, and what happens if one owner passes away. Understanding these differences is crucial for protecting your interests. What is Joint Tenancy? Joint […]