Q: I have found a property that I really want to buy and my offer has been accepted. I was devastated however to find that the survey highlighted a couple of issues that need urgent attention such as a problem with damp. What should I do next?

A: Don't panic if it all seems like bad news. The survey is designed to highlight defects and there are some options open to you.

In the first instance you should consider obtaining a specialist contractor's estimate for the work needed to rectify the problem, e.g. contact a damp specialist. Your estate agent might be able to recommend someone and it might be worth obtaining a few quotes from different specialists.

You could use the estimates to try to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller. If there are major problems, your solicitor should inform your lender (if applicable) to ensure that the lender is happy to continue to lend the money. If the work will substantially improve the property you might want to split the cost with the seller. More...

The next in our FAQ blog series answers a home seller’s question on selling their leasehold property, as well as some other frequently asked questions related to leasehold ownership.

Q: I am selling a leasehold property and my solicitor has asked me to pay an additional £350 for the management pack. Is this correct? It seems wholly unfair that I have to pay this as an additional expense on top of the fees already payable especially when it wasn’t included in the estimate provided.

A: I will assume your property is a leasehold flat and not a house. Leasehold properties are run by management companies who are responsible for collecting ground rent and maintaining the building together with its common areas such as gardens and private estate roads.

A management pack is required when selling the property as it contains information detailing the expenditure for the building together with any arrears that may be due on completion. The management pack will also provide details of any past work carried out or any future works that may be required for the building ranging from new landscaping to painting the building or replacing the roof. Each unit will be responsible for a proportion of the cost and the managing pack will inform the buyer of their future liability. More...

When someone dies, it is sometimes the case that their family or relatives are unhappy with the Will. This might because they are surprised by the way the estate is distributed, or, because someone has been ‘cut out.’ Where there are concerns about these provisions, it may be felt necessary to question them.

The legal grounds for contesting a Will are strictly defined and a successful challenge will only be possible if there is sufficient evidence to make a claim.

With this in mind, Howells Solicitors have come up with a brief overview of contesting a Will, but for further information, please get in touch. More...

South Wales enjoyed temperatures of over 26° last week, and saw thousands of residents packing up their beach bags and heading to the coast to enjoy the seasonable sunshine. Countless were left behind, however, as workers had to go about their daily business regardless of the beautiful weather, many of whom were in business attire that was less than heatwave friendly.

The Howells Solicitors team were lucky enough to cool off at Joe’s Ice Cream once or twice during the hot spell, and of course had our office fans amped up to the highest setting, but many employees across South Wales weren’t as fortunate, having to withstand soaring temperatures without any extra help.

But what are the laws regarding making employees work in extreme heat? Can employees be forced to work in certain temperatures? And is it possible to manage staff effectively in these conditions? Although this week’s weather isn’t quite as pleasant as last’s, the Met Office has warned that late July could see temperatures hit highs of 39°C, so businesses really do need to be prepared. More...