| Old' Solar Panels – Seller Has No Information
| Redundant solar thermal panels with no installation or decommissioning paperwork create uncertainty over their condition, the adequacy of the roof and potential removal costs. A surveyor or suitably qualified specialist should inspect them before exchange.
|
| Tenancies and the Renters' Rights Act 2025
| Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no-fault" possession has been abolished and private assured tenancies within the new regime are periodic. Buyers should not assume that a tenant will leave simply because an old fixed term has expired, and existing tenancy compliance should be checked carefully before completion.
|
| Service Charges – New Statutory RICS Management Code
| A new statutory RICS service charge management code has applied since 7 April 2026 and strengthens expectations of transparency and good management. Buyers should review current accounts, budgets, reserve funds and proposed major works carefully before committing to a leasehold purchase.
|
| Leaseholders' Right of First Refusal – Multi-Block Developments
| Recent Court of Appeal guidance affects how linked blocks may be treated for leaseholders' statutory rights of first refusal. The Supreme Court has granted permission to appeal, so the law remains unsettled and recent freehold sales on multi-block developments require particular care.
|
| Length of Lease and Proposed Leasehold Reform
| Major reforms to statutory lease extensions have been passed but are not yet fully in force. Buyers with shorter leases should proceed on the basis of the current law and should not assume that marriage value or lease-extension costs will shortly disappear.
|