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| Watkins Stewart & Ross Gains Lexcel Accreditation |
| Watkins Stewart & Ross, a well-established law firm based in Ipswich, are delighted to announce that they have recently been awarded the Lexcel Practice Management Standard. This exacting standard has been granted to relatively few firms and the award reflects an independent verification of excellence in a number of key areas.
Partner Stephen Gilbey, who is head of the firm’s Private Client Department said “We are delighted to have received this accreditation, which is testimony in itself to the quality of our practice management and the standard of service that we provide to our clients. A great deal of care and hard work from all our staff has been essential in achieving and maintaining the consistently high quality that is required. We take our clients needs seriously and the award is a real sign of confidence in the integrity of our Practice.”
The Lexcel Practice Management Standard, awarded by the Law Society of England and Wales, is only given to law firms who meet the highest management and customer care standards. Lexcel accredited firms undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they meet required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, case management and risk management.
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| HIP's Scrapped |
| Although Home Information Packs have now been scrapped for residential properties, an Energy Performance Certificate ("EPC") will still be required.
We are able to obtain an EPC for you for both residential and commercial properties. Please contact us for further information and details of the cost involved. |
| Intestacy Rules Change Comes Into Force |
| On 1 February, the increases in the statutory legacy for married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without leaving a Will came into force. The new levels will increase from £125,000 to £250,000 where there is a surviving spouse or civil partner and child, and from £200,000 to £450,000 where there is a surviving spouse or civil partner and parents or siblings, but no children.
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| Great News for First Time Buyers!!!! |
| With interest rates now at their lowest since the central bank was founded more than 300 years ago (Guardian 8 January 2009), and property prices at their lowest since Spring of 2005 (Nationwide December Press Release), there has been no better time for first time buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder.
Also with interest rates at an all time low, it is an optimum time for cash investors to break into the property market as personal savings will be accruing nominal interest in savings accounts.
So why not take advantage of our exclusive first time buyer offer. Watkins Stewart & Ross will deal with your conveyancing and take the stress out of your first move for just £275 plus VAT (an additional £100.00 plus VAT will be charged if you are having a mortgage, and there will be an additional charge for leasehold properties, disbursements not included). This fee includes dealing with Land Tax procedures for HM Revenue and Customs, ID checks and registration formalities with the Land Registry for which some other firms may make additional charges. Please mention this offer when first contacting us.
ALSO! first time buyers can also save Stamp Duty Land Tax at the present time if the purchase price of the property is £250,000 or less. Please confirm with us when first contacting us that this offer from HM Revenue & Customs is still available!
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| Our People - Hazel Oliver |
| Hazel Oliver has now completed the two year Diploma course 'Qualification in Land Registration Law and Practice' which is run by H.M. Land Registry and the College of Law. She passed the course with a commendation. Hazel is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives working in the firm’s Commercial and Residential Property Departments |
| Energy Performance Certificates |
| The Government has announced the phased roll out of the requirement for Energy Performance Certificates across commercial properties for sale, rent or construction as follows:-
Commercial Buildings
over 10,000 sq. m - 6th April 2008
Commercial Buildings
over 2,500 sq. m - 1st July 2008
All other Commercial
Buildings - 1st October 2008
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