Wedlake Bell Insights

    • In Trust
    • May 12, 2026

    The Right of First Refusal: what trustees must do before disposing of a freehold

    Failure to comply with RFR can invalidate the transaction, expose trustees to criminal prosecution, and create personal liability risks that cannot be avoided by good intentions or delegation. Breaches cannot be remedied retrospectively. What is the Right of First Refusal?

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    • Globally Speaking
    • Mar 27, 2026

    Increases to Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) announced

    What is ATED? ATED is an annual tax payable by ‘non‑natural persons’, such as companies, corporate partnerships and collective investment schemes, that own UK residential property valued at more than £500,000. ATED was introduced in April 2013, and its original

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    • In Trust
    • Mar 4, 2026

    The accidental landlord: inheriting a tenanted property and obtaining vacant possession – key changes from 1 May 2026

    From 1 May 2026, the most far‑reaching reforms to the private rented sector in a generation, come into force. These reforms were introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and apply to all existing and new private residential tenancies, including

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    • In Trust
    • Dec 3, 2025

    Budget 2025 and residential property: time to assess

    Individual homeowners High value council tax surcharge The new high value council tax surcharge (the surcharge) is less severe than many of us expected from a long feared “mansion tax”, but it will still have a significant impact on those

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    • In Trust
    • Nov 26, 2025

    Budget 2025: an end to the speculation

    While perhaps not as bad as was feared, the announcements confirmed today, from the “high value council tax surcharge” to income tax rate hikes for property, dividend and savings income, will shape decisions for families, trustees, and investors over the

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    • Renter's Rights
    • Nov 17, 2025

    The Renters’ Rights Act 2025

    On 1 May 2026, phase 1 of the new regime will come into force, on which date the majority of the more significant changes to tenancies, existing and new, will take effect and all tenancies will automatically transfer onto the

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    • In Trust
    • Nov 5, 2025

    Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – what landlords need to know

    Whilst further regulations are eagerly awaited to bring the Act into force, it is vital that landlords are prepared for the changes. To assist landlords, we’ve outlined the key changes in the summary below. Existing tenancy agreements and new tenancy

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    • Insights
    • Aug 21, 2025

    Could tax reform speculation chill the residential property market?

    In the news this week, headlines have been dominated by speculation of no less than 4 major tax changes that could reshape the residential property market. With the Autumn Budget approaching, uncertainty is mounting over how these proposals might affect

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