Author: numan
Help to Buy ISAs explained
The government launched the Help to Buy ISA scheme in late 2015. This provided house-hunters with an advance towards their cash deposit if they met a suitable level of saving.
Here at Versus Law, we frequently aid customers in making the most out of complex legal features by ensuring their loan contracts and paperwork are fit for purpose and precise.
As conveyancing experts, we also provide advice on the best options available to become homeowners, by providing a solution to help customers afford a new home with minimal financial risk.
This is everything you need to know about the Help to Buy ISA scheme:
- What is a Help to Buy ISA?
A Help to Buy ISA is a new type of ISA which is essentially an agreement with the government which provides a return on an individual’s savings with a cash bonus on top of their own input.
When you save up to £200 per month in your Help to Buy ISA account, the government will contribute 25% of everything you save, which works out as a monthly contribution of £50.
If you contribute £1000 when you first open your ISA, you will benefit from a £250 contribution from the government.
- Eligibility for the scheme
This type of ISA is only available to first time buyers who are aged over 16 years old and over.
There is not a certain salary requirement for eligibility. If you are planning on buying your first home and over the age of 16 you can apply for this ISA.
- My partner owns a home. Am I still eligible?
You will still be able to apply for the Help to Buy ISA, with or without your partner. However, they are not eligible for this scheme.
- Is there a limit to the government’s contributions?
Yes. The maximum the government will contribute is £3000. However, to receive this bonus, you would have had to contributed £12,000 yourself.
- What is the minimum I could save to receive any bonus?
The minimum you will have to save to gain the minimum bonus is £1,600. This will in turn earn you £400 from the government.
- How will I receive the government contribution?
The contribution will be calculated and then provided to you in the form of a voucher when you buy your first home. If you then decide you do not want to buy a house, you will not receive the voucher.
- Can I still open a Help to Buy ISA?
Unfortunately, the window to open an ISA was between 1st December 2015 to December 2019. If you didn’t open one during that time, you won’t be able to open one now, as the scheme is no longer being offered to those who didn’t already have a Help to Buy ISA.
- When is my account valid until?
There is no limit to the amount of time you can use your account and pay into it.
- How many ISA’s of this kind can I have?
You are only ever allowed one single account, from one single provider.
How to Write a Will
By writing a will, you have control over where your money, possessions, properties and investments go. Whether it’s to family or charity, writing a will gives you control over these things when you’re no longer around to vocalise your decisions.
It is important to note, that if you and your partner are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner holds no right to inherit your property/ estate if you do not have a will.
How to write a will:
There are 7 steps that go into writing a will.
Step 1: Valuing Your Estate
This is getting a rough idea of what your estate is worth by making a list of all your assets and debts.
This usually includes:
– Any property you own – including your home
– Building society accounts
– Any savings in a bank
– National savings
– Any insurance
– Pension
– Investments in stocks and shares
– Any motor vehicles
– Jewellery
– Antiques
– Personal belongings
– Household contents such as furniture
Debts include:
– Mortgage
– Overdraft in a bank
– Loans
– Credit card loans
– Equity release
Getting your assets valued frequently will allow you to change the will over time.
Step 2: Figure out how to distribute your estate.
In your will, you must be absolutely clear as to how you want to distribute your estate.
Things to consider:
– Who do you want to benefit from your will
– Any specific gifts you want certain people to receive
– What should happen to your estate if your beneficiaries die before you
– Where the rest of your estate will go – property and money left over after the funeral and administrative expenses and other fees
Step 3 – Deciding to make a donation to charity
If you’re intending on making a donation to a specific charity in your will, you must include the charity’s full name, address and registration number. If you include incorrect information, the money may not go to the right charity.
Step 4 – Choosing your executor
The people who organise the distribution of your estate are referred to as executors. This role includes a lot of work and responsibility. For that reason, your executor must be chosen wisely.
Step 5 – Writing your will
There are various ways to go about writing your will. These include:
- Making your own will: a will is considered a legal document. For this reason, it must be written and signed correctly. You must ensure your will is valid otherwise, your estate will be dealt with in accordance to the countries law. Therefore, it is best to seek professional advice before writing your will.
- Charities: there are a few charities that offer free will drafting services. This is to (sometimes) inspire you to make a donation, of course you are under no obligation to do so.
- Lawyers: usually, it is best to consult an experienced solicitor with official legal documents.
Here at Versus Law our expert solicitors in Manchester can help you through every aspect of probate and estate administration, providing you with a tailored service that meticulously allocates your assets to desired parties, whilst ensuring that all requests are efficiently executed.
Step 6 – Sign your will
For your will to be valid, your signature must be on your will. This must be done in front of an independent witness.
Step 7 – Storing your will safely
You must ensure that your will is stored away safely. This may be at the bank, with your solicitor, or safely stored away at home. The executors must know where your will is kept.
It is important to note that you mustn’t attach any paper clips or staples to the will. This is because if the staples or clips leave any marks, it could raise questions about whether parts of the will is missing.
Interested in learning how we can help you to prepare and execute all your will and probate requirements? Get a FREE consultation with one of our solicitors in Manchester by contacting us today on 0161 249 5087 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk. If you prefer, you can complete our contact form here.
How first time buyers can get onto the property ladder amid rising house prices
The latest data compiled by the Land Registry has shown that the average house price in the UK is £244,513 and property prices have risen by 1.7% from August 2020 to September 2020. The average annual increase in house price has risen by 4.7%.
For those trying to get onto the property ladder, this surge in house prices can be extremely frustrating. Therefore, here at Versus Law, we’ve decided to put together the different funding options for first time buyers to help you:
1. Help to Buy
Unfortunately, the Help to Buy ISA is no longer open to new applicants. Consequently, unless a first-time buyer already has an ISA open, they will not be able to reap the advantages of the government bonus. The maximum bonus is £3000 and must be claimed by 30th November 2030.
Nevertheless, the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme is still available. This is only available on a new build property and to those looking to buy their first home. A minimum of a 5% deposit will need to be provided by the buyer, for the government to lend 15%-40% (reliant on the region). This scheme is an interest-free scheme for the first five years and is entirely repayable after 25 years.
The repayment amount is linked to the amount you borrowed. Thus, if you borrow 20% when you come to repay you will be liable for 20% of the market value of the property at that time. This scheme is available until March 2021, at which point it will be replaced by a new scheme.
2. Lifetime ISA
Another ISA is available. This is the Lifetime ISA (LISA). The goal of a LISA is to support 18-39 year olds to save for their first home/ retirement. For every £4000 saved per annum, you will qualify for a 25% bonus, which is paid monthly. If the individual is under the age of 60, the funds must be used towards the purchase of their first property (with a property value cap of £450,000).
3. Springboard mortgage
These types of mortgages have been on offer for quite some time now, however, not many people know about them. This is where the first-time buyer will need to put down a 5% deposit, and a family member puts down an additional 10% which is to be paid into the account of the lender. After three years, the family member will get back their 10% if the first-time buyer has kept up with their mortgage repayments.
4. Getting help from parents
Many first-time buyers benefit from gifts from family to get them onto the property ladder. To most lenders, this is satisfactory, as long as the family member has no interest in the property. A family member could also choose to guarantor a mortgage if the first time buyer does not have sufficient credit.
Gem
I was selling my home which had a complicated title and versus law was recommended to me. Natalie Moylan handled my case from start to finish and I couldn’t ask for anyone better! There were no obstacles that couldn’t be overcome and in a very fast turn around too. The sale completed in no time at all. Natalie was timely, professional and friendly and an absolute pleasure to have on my side. I would strongly recommend Versus law to anyone.
Bonnie
I have used the services of Nicola Nolan at Versus Law twice this year and was instantly put at ease and very impressed with the help received and the outcome achieved. Would recommend without hesitation
Redundancy VS Unfair Dismissal
If you suspect you might have been subjected to an unfair dismissal this guide will help you confirm whether or not you have a case.
What is redundancy?
Redundancy is essentially when your job/ role ceases to exist. It is different to being dismissed for other reasons. If you are made redundant, it is most commonly down to:
- Cutting costs
- Closing down or relocating
- The position you hold is no longer needed
What is considered to be a fair redundancy process?
If the redundancies are necessary, the employer must have a fair and balanced way of determining who will be selected for redundancy.
This is usually based on:
- The standard of work produced by each employee
- Attendance records
- Disciplinary records
- Skills
- Experience
It is obligatory for your employer to:
- Give a satisfactory warning of your possible redundancy
- Discuss with you why you’re being selected
- Consider other possible options to redundancy, including an alternative position
What is unfair dismissal?
If the employer hasn’t followed the redundancy process, your dismissal may have been unfair and you may have a claim for unfair dismissal.
Your employer must converse with you directly in regard to why you have been chosen and discuss alternatives to redundancy. If no discussion has taken place, you may have been unfairly dismissed.
Furthermore, none of the following points should contribute to your redundancy:
- Age
- Race
- Gender
- Religion
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Being a member of a trade union
- Working part-time or on a fixed-term contract
You may be able to claim unfair dismissal at a tribunal if your employer hasn’t followed the process.
Employers quite often offer settlement agreements to settle a potential unfair dismissal claim so that they do not have to follow the correct procedure. This would mean giving up your rights to make a claim in a tribunal but may mean that you can negotiate a good settlement.
Also, it is extremely important to note that your employer must pay for you to receive independent legal advice on the settlement agreement so that you fully understand what rights you’ll be giving up.
Appealing against an unfair dismissal should go as follows:
Step 1 – Appeal in writing:
If you believe that being made redundant is based on biased grounds, appeal against your employer’s decision. Read through your contract or staff handbook to ensure this is done correctly and watch out for any time limits. In this letter explain why you believe this is an unfair decision and what can be done by your employer to put the situation right. You may also consult an employee representative if you require assistance.
Step 2 – Consult your trade union representative
If you have heard back from your employer and you are unhappy with the response, discuss the matter with your trade union representative, as they may be better at arguing your case on your behalf.
Step 3 – Early conciliation
If you have tried to discuss the matter with your employer, but it has fallen onto deaf ears, and you think you have a strong case, make a claim to an employment tribunal. Prior to this you must inform ACAS. They will try and settle this with your employer through early conciliation. However, neither you nor your employer must agree to this. You must notify ACAS as soon as possible because strict time limits apply for making a claim.
Step 4 – Consider an employment tribunal
You can take your employer to an employment tribunal if you have a strong case and if it hasn’t been settled through an early conciliation.
If you feel that you have a claim for unfair dismissal, you should complete the enquiry form or call us on 0161 249 5087 and we will be happy to discuss your settlement options and/or guide you through the process of making an unfair dismissal claim.
Medical Negligence Claims – Everything you need to know
Medical negligence can happen when receiving medical attention from any healthcare professional. Medical negligence can take many forms including misdiagnosis, mistakes during surgery or the wrong treatment being admitted. When unnecessary suffering is a consequence of negligence then you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.
How to make a medical negligence claim:
Here at Versus Law, our skilled and professional team can provide you with support throughout the claim process, whilst providing sensitivity and empathy when times get difficult.
The process of making a claim:
Step 1: Preliminary Questions
Contact us on 0161 249 5087 for a free initial consultation. Our team of experts know the right questions to ask to gather all the information they need so that they may advise you as quickly as possible.
Step 2: Case Acceptance
We will examine your case and contact you promptly with a decision.
Step 3: Medical Records
Once your case is accepted, our team will require your medical records for examination.
Step 4: Medical Confirmation
The medical records will confirm whether or not the treatment that was given was negligent and whether it caused injury or worsening of an existing condition.
Step 5: Negotiation
Once our team have obtained the supporting evidence, a claim can be submitted to the defendant and they will be given the opportunity to accept their error. Our team will then negotiate with the defendant to attain an appropriate award of compensation, which could allow you to get back into a similar situation as you were before the negligence took place.
Step 6: Compensation:
We understand that no amount of compensation can fully repair the damage or reverse the pain and suffering endured. However, the compensation can offer some relief and cover financial aid for the out of pocket expenses, loss of income and any private treatment cost you may have incurred. It may also cover rehabilitation costs and compensation for your injuries.
What compensation may I be eligible for?
Financial compensation granted will vary and is dependent on each case. However, it is usually split into two categories.
General damages compensation
This is usually a reimbursement for any pain and suffering endured due to the negligence. This figure is dependent on the severity of the injury or illness and the degree to which the negligence impacted your life.
Special damages compensation
This is the reimbursement of any out of pocket losses which were a result of the negligent care you received. This compensation also includes any future losses that may occur due to poor health.
This could include:
- Loss of earnings
- Medication costs
- Private treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Medical equipment
We offer a free initial consultation about any questions you may have about placing a medical negligence claim. Call us today on 0161 249 5087 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk.
A comprehensive guide to conveyancing
When buying or selling a house, a conveyancing legal expert is a key part to the process.
Conveyancing can be the most complex part of moving to a new house for homeowners. Here at Versus Law we understand the frustration that can be felt when paperwork stands in the way of you purchasing or selling your home and do our best to make the experience as efficient and professional.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is known as the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one individual to another. It encompasses the entire body of legal-administrative work undertaken to allow for a house sale or purchase to be legally valid and the work is usually undertaken by a conveyancing solicitor. At Versus Law we deal with both commercial and residential properties.
Can I do the process independently?
It is possible for homeowners to undertake conveyancing themselves. However, this can be extremely complicated and time consuming. It may also lead to errors being made which could open you up to legal issues down the line. As specialists here at Versus Law, we have the expert knowledge that is needed should your transaction become complex. We cover all types of properties such as freehold and leasehold properties as well as other niche types of contracts.
What are the costs of conveyancing?
The cost of conveyancing services vary depending on the property. At Versus Law we have a handy calculator you can use to get a free no obligation quote.
How long should the conveyancing process take?
On average, the process takes between eight and 12 weeks in total. However, this can vary case to case.
Here is a breakdown of how it works:
Phase 1:
- Commence communication with the seller’s solicitor to attain the contract pack
- Conduct a survey by a regulated chartered surveyor
- Have the offer on the property accepted
- After the valuation has taken place liaise with the mortgage lender to approve the mortgage
Phase 2:
- Request and obtain a copy of your mortgage offer
- Carry out local authority searches
Phase 3:
- Examine the contract pack, results of local authority searches and mortgage offer
- Consider likely completion dates and negotiate a date with your seller’s conveyancing provider
Then, you will:
- Communicate with mortgage provider about most suitable completion dates
- Analyse the information, asking any questions about anything you haven’t understood
And finally, you will sign the final contract and return it to us– your solicitors. Once this is signed you are bound to purchase or sell the property.
Phase 4:
- Notify the seller’s solicitor and inform them you wish to advance with the contract exchange
You will then:
- Send off the deposit to your conveyancing provider – us.
Phase 5:
As your conveyancing provider we will:
- Exchange signed contracts with the seller’s conveyancing provider
Send the deposit to the seller’s conveyancer
Exchange to Completion:
Phase 1:
As your conveyancing provider, we will then:
- Arrange the completion statement and send it to you
- Prepare priority searches
- Advise you about arranging building insurance
Phase 2:
Your conveyancing provider will:
- Organise the transfer deed
You will:
- Study, sign and return the transfer deed
Phase 3:
We will then:
- Send the signed transfer deed to the seller’s conveyancing solicitor
- Ask for the finances from your mortgage lender
Phase 4:
As your conveyancing provider we will then:
- Make the payment for the house to the seller’s conveyancer
- Obtain title deeds, handover deeds and proof of any unpaid mortgages you have redeemed
You will then:
- Collect the keys to your new house once given the go ahead by the seller’s solicitor
- Make the move into your new home!
Phase 5:
We will then:
- Provide the stamping office the transfer deed and any applicable stamp duty
- Send documents to HM Land Registry to register your ownership of the property
Phase 6:
As your conveyancing provider we will then:
- Receive title deeds from HM Land Registry and send them to your mortgage lender if they have provided finance, or you if you are a cash buyer
It is important to note that although the process above is what is typically followed sometimes in the case of a complex case delays may occur.
At Versus Law we have numerous 5 star reviews in relation to our conveyancing service and we offer a free initial consultation. Click here to use our handy conveyancing calculator and call us today on 0161 249 5087 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk to start your conveyancing journey.
5 Tips for First-Time Buyers
For many of us, buying a property is the biggest purchase we will ever make. Not only is it an exciting milestone, but it also puts a lot at stake. The process can seem overwhelming especially if you’re the first person in the family doing this so we’ve put together a 5 step guide to help you.
5 tips to ease the process of buying your first home.
1. Figure out how much you can borrow
Before scoping out possible properties, it is vital to know how much you can actually borrow. It probably won’t be the most exciting part of the process, however, it is the most important step towards homeownership. Not only will it give a realistic idea of what you can actually afford, but it will avoid future disappointment.
As soon as you know how much you can borrow, it is important to set yourself a goal that you will stick to for a deposit. In general, you need to save at least 5% – 20% of the total cost of the home. Broadly speaking, the larger your deposit, the cheaper the mortgage. If saving for a deposit will be difficult due to your own personal circumstances, do not fret. There are many incentives and affordable housing schemes for first-time buyers – a good mortgage adviser will be able to find the right solution for you.
2. Do your homework
Once the finances have been studied and sorted, it’s time to find your dream home, right? Well not quite. If you’re moving to a new area, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local area. Is there a supermarket nearby? What’s the broadband speed? Find out how long it would take to get to work. Would you be able to take a train after a long day at the office? Would you prefer driving? If you’re planning to have children in the future, is there a school nearby? Location is extremely important when house hunting.
3. Keep an open mind
When house hunting, it’s very easy to fall in love with the first house you see. However, it is important to consider and view a range of possible home to ensure you’re making the right choice. Once you’ve made a list of possible home, narrow it down to your top few and book viewings. If needed, you can have a second and third viewing to answer any questions that may have arisen from the last viewing. Research has found that the average buyer will visit a property three times before finalising anything. Remember to ask questions such as how long the house has been on the market, if any other offer has been made and what is included in the sale.
4. Work out the monthly costs
Once you’ve found a property, ensure that all payments are taken into consideration, not only the mortgage. There will be other monthly outgoings such as utilities and council tax. Therefore, you must ensure all expenditures are taken into consideration before finalising the offer.
5. I’ve found my dream property! What happens now?
Once you’ve worked out your budget, finished your homework, and viewed an adequate number of properties and found ‘The One’ it’s now time to make an offer. Once the offer has been accepted, that is where we come in. Let’s face it, buying a house is already stressful, let alone having to deal with conveyancing. Get started with our free conveyancing calculator. Our handy online conveyancing calculator will give you an instant quote for our legal fees and Stamp Duty, as well as an estimate of the other fees you’ll need to pay.
If you want to know more about conveyancing click here.
The Versus Law Conveyancing Solicitors can be contacted here.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you buy the perfect home!
Lifetime ISA – What is it and How Does It Work?
Since the Help to Buy to ISA scheme came to an end in December 2019, the Lifetime ISA is one of the numerous options that first time buyers have when it comes to buying their first home.
What is a Lifetime ISA?
A lifetime ISA is a savings scheme that is tax efficient. It has been designed to aid people in getting onto the property ladder.
The way the scheme works is the government pays 25% of whatever you save. So, for every £4 you save, the government will contribute £1. The maximum you will be able to save per year is £4000, to which the government will contribute £1000. The buyer will receive the government contribution at the end of the year, so you can earn interest thereafter.
However, the contribution will only be made to the account once you reach the age of 50.
The money can be used at any time in to buy the first home. Otherwise, it has to remain in the account until the account holder reaches 60.
To put it simply:
- A lifetime ISA can be opened after the age of 18 and before the age of 40
- Payments can be made into the account
- You can buy the first property at any time
- Use the cash for any purpose once you’re 60
Who can invest in a Lifetime ISA?
Those who qualify for a Lifetime ISA will need to be aged 18 – 40 years old on the date the account is opened.
A Lifetime ISA can be opened alongside a Help to Buy ISA and a pension fund. You are also allowed to open a Lifetime ISA if you already own a property. The £4,000 limit, if used, forms part of your overall annual ISA limit. The ISA allowance for the current 2019/20 tax year is £20,000.
What is the maximum I can invest in a Lifetime ISA?
Per annum, the maximum that can be deposited into the account is £4000 which will make up part of your overall ISA allowance, which is £20,000. The government contribution will be paid on top of this.
Are there any drawbacks with a Lifetime ISA?
If you later decided to withdraw the cash from the Lifetime ISA, there will be a 25% charge, (this in effect repays the government bonus earned to that point), unless it is used for any of the below situations:
- Buying your first home
- If you’re aged over the age of 60
- If you’re terminally ill, with less than 12 months to live
Once you turn 50, you will not be able to pay into your Lifetime ISA or the 25% bonus. If the account stays open, and no action is taken, you will still earn interest or investment returns.
Other factors
If you’re on the property ladder already, you can only use a Lifetime ISA to save for retirement since with the Lifetime ISA it can only be used to save for a deposit on a first one.
Furthermore, the Lifetime ISA can only be used towards a deposit for a house that is less than £450,000.
What’s more, first-time buyers can only use Lifetime ISA cash to fund a deposit if the property they are buying costs less than £450,000.
With a Lifetime ISA, the government contribution is given at the end of each tax year.
The money saved in the ISA can be used for a deposit for your first home and the account can be kept open and in use after the purchase.
Contact us
Versus Law solicitors provide Conveyancing services for those ready to buy their home. Interested in learning how we can help you manage your conveyancing? Get a FREE consultation with one of our conveyancing solicitors by contacting us today on 0161 249 5087 or email us at property@versuslaw.co.uk. If you prefer, you can use our online conveyancing calculator.