Are you up to date with CIL?

Posted: October 16, 2018

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) was adopted by Cornwall Council earlier this year, and charging will commence from 1 January 2019. CIL is a development land tax which is set at a local level and recovered by the Local Planning Authority (LPA). It will primarily apply to new build properties (which are not self-builds). CIL will be used to raise funds for “local infrastructure” (which should not also be funded through Section 106 Agreements). In comparison Section 106 Agreements will... Read More »

Stamp Duty for First Time Buyers

Posted: January 11, 2018

Are you a first-time buyer? It is likely that you will benefit from the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief granted to first time buyers in the latest budget. This is a well welcomed relief for first-time buyers trying to get onto the property ladder. First time buyers paying less then £300,000 for a residential property will pay no SDLT. First time buyers paying between £300,000 – £500,000 will just pay stamp duty on 5% of the purchase price over... Read More »

Charles French & Co Opens Newquay Office

Posted: May 11, 2017

We are delighted to announce that the firm has expanded and opened a Newquay Office. The firm was originally established with two members of staff in Truro in 2007. The last 10 years have seen the firm expand. Charles French & Co now employs 30 staff with offices in Truro, St Austell, Mevagissey and now, Newquay. Director, Charles French, said: “We are delighted to be able to launch a new office in Newquay this year, marking a period of sustained growth... Read More »

Residential Service Charges: Reasonableness is the Limit

Posted: March 28, 2017

The majority of Leases of residential flats contain a service charge, to cover the costs incurred by the Landlord in providing ‘services’. These services often include repairs, maintenance and insurance of the main building or estate (of which the flat forms part). While the Lease will set out in detail those items which can be recharged by the Landlord, residential service charges are subject to statutory restrictions. In particular, service charges are payable ‘only to the extent that they are... Read More »

Fancy a Break? A Warning to Tenants

Posted: January 10, 2017

When leases are negotiated, a tenant will often seek to include a break clause so that the lease may be brought to an end before the contractual term expires, affording the tenant some flexibility should unknown future business needs demand it.  Landlord’s are often willing to agree a tenant’s break clause in order to encourage them to take a lease of the property. Tenants have long been advised to seek legal advice before exercising a break clause. While the specific terms... Read More »

New Associates at Charles French & Co

Posted: January 4, 2017

Charles French & Co is pleased to announce that Ben Birkett and Nicola Harrison have now been promoted to Associates of the Firm. Ben Birkett, who joined the firm in 2010, works in both the Residential Property and Commercial Property Departments. Ben is based in the St Austell Office and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Nicola Harrison is also based in the St Austell Office and began working for the firm in 2013. Nicola is... Read More »

Charles French & Co appoint a new Director!

Posted: August 16, 2016

We are pleased to announce that Kathy Carr is to be appointed Head of Residential Property and becomes a Director of the firm from 1 September 2016 Kathy joined the firm in October 2014 and is a member of the Council for Licenced Conveyancers.   Kathy carries out a wide range of residential conveyancing work, including buying and selling high value residential and leasehold property, as well as equity release transactions.  With over 30 years’ property experience in Cornwall, Kathy is... Read More »

You’re never too young to make a Will

Posted: May 18, 2016

Charles French & Co are proud participants in Cornwall Hospice Care’s ‘Make A Will Week’ which gives you the opportunity to write or update your Will in return for a charitable donation. Making a Will is often something people start to think about later in life. Research has revealed that 73% of 16-54 year olds do not have a Will. In the event that someone dies without a Will then what happens to their property is determined by the Government under... Read More »

A Continued Focus on Energy Efficiency

Posted: April 22, 2016

It is a legal requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be produced when a property is sold or rented out (it should be obtained before the property is marketed). EPCs show the energy efficiency of a building and must also include recommendations for cost-effective improvements that could be made to the property to improve its energy efficiency. The government initiative behind EPCs is to incentivise property owners or occupiers to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. On... Read More »

FIRST TIME BUYERS – HELP TO BUY: ISA

Posted: January 26, 2016

At Charles French and Co, we realise that buying a house can be stressful for anyone, not least for First Time Buyers and that it is not just about finding that perfect home but, financing it and choosing the best of many schemes that may be available to you. The latest of these schemes that the government has introduced is the “Help to Buy: ISA” specifically for first time buyers.    The scheme has been available since 1st December 2015 and... Read More »