London's new garden squares
London is already the greenest capital in Europe, with homeowners enjoying more than 600 garden squares. And the good news is that there are more to come.
As the BBC move out, Shepherd's Bush switches to a new programme
As Aunty leaves the Bush the borough seizes the opportunity to create a proper neighbourhood.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Revealed: from Reading to Redhill – the top 20 commuter stations
Choose your route. Our exclusive property buyers’ guide shows travel times, costs and house prices.
My design London - Russell Norman
Owner of Polpo, Spuntino and Polpetto restaurants in Soho, and da Polpo and Mishkin's in Covent Garden, restauranteur Russell Norman opens up on his favourite London haunts.
Find a rated tradesman
Want to add value to your property, make your house a home, or sell your place fast? With 1,000s of tradesmen nationwide, rated and recommended by previous customers, this is the smart way to find a reputable tradesman.
Buy of the week: Camden Town
This two-bedroom flat has a pretty park on its doorstep, while buzzing Camden Town is only 10 minutes’ walk away. Big sash windows and high ceilings give a spacious feel and there’s a private garden with a studio/home office (£525,000).
Swap of the week: Willersey, Glouc
This little Cotswolds beauty is just across the road from the village green and duck pond. For £530,000 you get beams, exposed stone walls and an open fireplace, plus four bedrooms, a useful attic room and lush gardens to enjoy.
Life-changer: Trescowe, Cornwall
For a project brimming with potential, what about this coastal home, yours for £545,000? The family space includes six bedrooms, while its collection of outbuildings overlooking an acre of gardens could become income-generating holiday lets.
Spotlight on Camden Town
The shops and markets clustered around the high street and canal make Camden one of the most colourful of London's neighbourhoods. The area's period homes and loft-style apartments attract a mix of homebuyers.
Property search
Will this 'loan' save our property sale?
Our lawyer, Fiona McNulty, advises a seller on the legal issues relating to 'loaning' a buyer money to confirm a property sale
© Merrily Harpur
Answer: Assuming that the property you are selling is worth more than £350,000 so there will be a reasonable amount of equity available, you could “lend” the buyers the money they need but you must ensure that your position is secure.
In practice, the buyers will pay you less for the property on completion and you will take a charge over the property as security for the amount of the shortfall. The Charge should be registered at the Land Registry at the same time that the buyers’ title is registered.
The charge should deal with such matters as the level of interest you wish to charge the buyers, whether it will be paid monthly or rolled up until the loan is repaid in full, and when the loan is to be repaid - there must be a fixed date otherwise you may not be repaid until the buyers sell the property.
There should be covenants in the Charge requiring the buyers to adequately insure the property, maintain it etc. Clearly it is essential that the Charge is well-drafted to protect you, so inform your solicitor of your plans as soon
as possible.
What's your problem?
If you have a question for Fiona McNulty, email legalsolutions@standard.co.uk. We regret that questions cannot be answered individually.
Fiona is a partner in the property team at Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons Solicitors www.ttuk.com.
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