Forsters, a leading London law firm, has launched a new report helping to demystify legal terminology when buying a property in the UK.

Underpinned with industry leading commentary, ‘From City to Country: Helping you to navigate the perks and quirks of buying a home’, will debunk property jargon to help individuals understand complex English property law meanings and areas to consider when buying residential and land assets.

This report has been compiled by Forsters’ 50 strong residential and rural property teams led by Partners Lucy Barber, Head of Residential Property and Head of Rural Land and Business, Henry Cecil, who advises clients on the purchase of estates, farms and country houses and related property issues.

Key topics within the report cover:
Nurturing natural habitats; environmental considerations and living near Areas Of Natural Beauty (AONBs) when purchasing a home.

What to do if your property is also home to bats, and how that can impact the sale and value of a property

Purposeful placemaking and the Social Impact of Sec 10; Are developers going above and beyond their Section 106 agreements and how are they supporting local communities to thrive? A dive into the value for both developers and home buyers on the value of placemaking and social impact

The litigation behind home improvements; from planning applications through to adding value to a home such as building extensions and basement swimming pools

Homes under the hammer; what you need to be aware of and considerations for purchasing a home at auction

And, how is Henry VIII’s church is still affecting today’s housing market? Forsters’ ‘From City to Country’ report explores the meaning behind chancel repair liability and home owners legal obligation towards pre-Reformation churches and parishes built before 1536.

Partners from across the law firm – and specialist property sectors including Rural, Land, Development and Wealth – have contributed towards this report, including: Lucy Barber, Henry Cecil, Helen Marsh, Robert Barham and Charles Miéville.

Lucy Barber, Partner and Head of Residential Property at Forsters, said: “English property law is complex and at times archaic. The launch of our inaugural residential report – ‘From city to country: the perks and quirks of buying a UK home’ – helps to dispel confusion and explore the unique differences in residential properties when purchasing or selling a home. Helping to guide our clients to understanding the ‘perks and quirks’ of residential property law, this unique report covers every form of residential property litigation from our broad range of legal specialists. A home or property is arguably the largest investment many will make in a lifetime and, whether it’s land, wealth or investment, our aim is to dispel confusion within the consumer landscape.”

Henry Cecil, Partner and Head of Rural Land and Business at Forsters, said: “While it is our job to help clients navigate the complex world of English property law, purchasers are still keen to be equipped with the facts and an understanding of the potential opportunities and challenges they may face. The type of property, its age, location and surrounding habitat can all have a bearing on a transaction. That’s why we have launched the ‘Perks & Quirks’ report for land and estate owners to help aid understanding the essentials and feel confident in their own investments.”