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 tenant prevent me selling?
Our lawyer, Fiona McNulty, advises on how to sell a property which has tenants
Answer: Firstly, establish if there are written tenancy agreements and, if there are, consider their terms carefully. There may be no tenancy agreements at all, of course. In either case, seek legal advice to establish whether you can terminate the tenancies and how the notices to quit must be drafted and served.
The tenant who has been in the property for more than 20 years is likely to be a “sitting tenant” and so any sale would be subject to that tenancy and is likely to decrease the value of that flat. However, you may be able to reach an agreement with that tenant by finding alternative accommodation and/or by offering an inducement to leave.
Consider whether you wish to sell the freehold of the property or if you wish to sell the flats individually and retain the freehold. If you sell the flats individually you will need to grant long leases for each. When you market the property, do make sure that your agent is aware of the tenants. If a buyer wants vacant possession, to be safe, make sure the tenants have gone before exchange of contracts. There are many more options open to you than you might think, so do take some legal advice.
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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