News

We provide tailored and innovative solutions.

MSHB

From time to time we will post news articles and announcements relating to the firm and to various legal issues that may be of interest to you.

Title Indemnity Policies – a practical solution to ‘title defects’

Author Dru Nicholson Residential Property

When a property is being sold, the Title Deeds (the documents setting out legal ownership, boundaries, rights of access etc) will be examined by the purchaser’s solicitor. The purchaser’s solicitor will want to be satisfied that the seller can transfer valid title to the purchaser at settlement and that there are no defects with the title which may adversely impact on the purchaser. A lender taking security over the property will also want reassurance that there are no such defects affecting the value of the property or the lender’s ability to sell should they enforce security in their favour.

New Builds: the pros and cons of buying a new build property in today’s market

Author Dru Nicholson Residential Property

Some like shiny new homes. Some don’t. While everyone’s taste differs, demand for properties is so high at present that many potential buyers cannot afford to be overly picky and perhaps require to use their heads more than their hearts. If we leave all predilections at the door, what are the pros and cons of buying a new build property in today’s market?

Fire and Smoke Alarms

Iona Dougall Fire Alarms

Since February 2022, all homes in Scotland are required by law to have installed interlinked smoke alarms as well as adequate Carbon Monoxide protection. The legislation was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster and applies to all homeowners and landlords. The legislation was due to come into force in 2021 but was delayed due to Covid which affected the supply chain of new alarms.

Land ownership transparency register

One of the key purposes of the Registration Act 1617 was to increase transparency in the ownership of land and to allow members of the public to easily access land titles.