Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty Land Tax: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about SDLT rates, thresholds, and reliefs — including the latest changes affecting first-time buyers and the additional property surcharge.
Property & Conveyancing Blog
Expert guides, legal updates, and practical advice from Legal Merchant's panel of conveyancing solicitors. Stay informed about property law, stamp duty, leasehold reform, and more.
Latest Articles
Conveyancing & Property Insights
Browse our library of expert-written guides covering every aspect of buying, selling, leasehold, stamp duty, and property disputes.
Buying
The Conveyancing Process Explained Step by Step
A plain-English walkthrough of every stage of the conveyancing process — from offer accepted to keys in hand. What happens, when, and why.
Leasehold
Leasehold Reform: What Property Owners Must Know in 2025
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has fundamentally changed the rights of leaseholders in England and Wales. Here is what every flat owner must know.
Buying
Complete First-Time Buyer Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know about purchasing their first home — from saving for a deposit to picking up the keys on completion day.
Buying
Property Searches Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter
Property searches are a vital part of the conveyancing process. This guide explains what each search reveals, why it matters, and what happens if problems are found.
Property Disputes
Boundary Disputes: A Complete Legal Guide
Boundary disputes are among the most acrimonious property disputes. This guide explains how boundaries are legally determined, what evidence counts, and how to resolve disagreements.
Property Disputes
Landlord and Tenant Rights in 2025: What You Need to Know
The Renters Rights Act 2025 brings the biggest changes to the private rented sector in a generation. Here's what landlords and tenants need to know about their rights in 2025.
Property Law
Restrictive Covenants on Property: A Complete Guide
Restrictive covenants can significantly affect what you can do with your property. This guide explains what they are, how they are enforced, and how to challenge them.
Buy-to-Let
Buy-to-Let in 2025: A Complete Landlord's Legal Guide
Everything landlords need to know about buy-to-let property in 2025 — from purchasing and financing to legal obligations, tax, and the impact of the Renters Rights Act.
Remortgage
Should You Remortgage? A Complete Guide for 2025
With mortgage rates shifting, remortgaging could save you hundreds per month. This guide explains when to remortgage, what it costs, and how the legal process works.
New Build
Buying a New Build Property: 10 Things You Must Know
New build purchases come with unique risks and protections. These 10 essential tips help you navigate developer contracts, off-plan purchasing, and new build conveyancing.
Leasehold
Lease Extension: When to Act and How to Do It
A short lease can cost you thousands and destroy your property's value. This guide explains when to extend, how to do it, and how much it will cost after the 2024 reforms.
Conveyancing
Transfer of Equity: A Complete Legal Guide
Adding or removing a name from a property title? This guide covers everything about transfer of equity — from divorce separations to gifting property to a family member.
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership: Is It Right for You in 2025?
Shared ownership helps thousands of people onto the property ladder each year. But is it right for you? This guide covers everything you need to know.