🐣Welcome to the April Cognitive Law newsletter!🐣

Easter’s on its way, and here at Cognitive Law, we’re excited to bring a springtime focus to property. Last month, we talked about building strong foundations for your business.

This month, we’re looking at all things property - from leasehold updates to tips for selling your home. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or homeowner, we’ve got some helpful insights to share. Let’s embrace the season of new beginnings together!

If you’d like to discuss any property issues, whether that's buying or selling or a dispute you really want to resolve, we’re here to help. Call us on 0333 400 4499.

We hope you have a great Easter!

A shake up of the leasehold system

Historically there have been two legal estates in land (a legal measure of someone’s interest in land), freehold ownership and leasehold ownership. Freehold is for an unlimited duration and leasehold is for a set term of years.

Commonhold is a newer type of ownership and is a form of freehold property ownership for flats and other independent buildings in England and Wales. It is hoped this will avoid the shortcomings of leasehold ownership.

Find out more here.

Renters Rights Act 2025 - Changes!

From 1 May 2026, the private rented sector in England is due to see the biggest shake-up in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (sometimes referred to simply as the “Renters Act”) introduces a new tenancy system, ends Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, and brings in a range of changes aimed at improving fairness and standards for renters, while still allowing landlords to recover possession where there’s a genuine reason.

This article is a practical overview of what’s changing and what you can do when you can no longer serve a Section 21 notice.

Find out here.

Preparing your house for sale

When you put your property on the market, it’s natural to focus on presentation – the photos, viewings and (hopefully) the offer. But I would say, the key to a smooth sale often comes down to something far less glamorous: paperwork.

Below is a practical, seller-friendly checklist of what to gather and think about before you accept an offer, along with some common issues I see time and again.

One Stop Property Hub

Free advice all in one place!

Buying, selling, remortgaging or dealing with a property dispute can feel overwhelming.

That’s exactly why the One Stop Property Hub was created by local subject matter experts Caroline, Sara, Rebecca, Johnny and Jodie with the aim of bringing trusted local property professionals together under one roof making it easier for you to get clear, straightforward guidance.

Consultant Spotlight

Caroline Knowles-Ley - Consultant Chartered Legal Executive

Caroline specialises in property related disputes which are often emotionally charged, aiming to get to the root cause of the issue and find a way to resolution in the most suitable and cost-effective way for the client.

Find out more about Caroline here.

Testimonials

"We are grateful to Mayumi Hawkes for all her help with our recent sales/purchase. We will without doubt recommend your services to anyone who might ask us in the future. All the best to you and yours for the future and thank you again for your help."

"I was planning to submit an Adverse Possession claim for a piece of land adjoining my garden but I could not find any local solicitor with the experience or willingness to help me. While searching the internet I found a page carrying some explanations of AP procedure, written by Caroline Knowles-Ley, so I made contact. Caroline helped me complete the forms with sound advice and also assisted me through the modern minefield of identity proof. The outcome was a successful claim so I am really pleased that I contacted her"

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Our Services

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