There is nothing like a bit of sanctimony, mixed with a knee-jerk reaction, to result in ill-considered legislation which, as day follows night, results in the proof yet again of the law of unintended consequences. For example, tragic shootings in the United Kingdom resulted in the crazed decision to ban the ownership of guns, and thus deprived sportsmen of the ability to do something which they were really rather good at: pistol shooting. On a greater stage, the atrocities of the Second World War resulted in the European Convention on Human Rights, which in turn has spawned domestic human rights’ legislation which has tipped the balance the other way (and, purely by way of example, has resulted in an abused legal aid system).
As a first time home buyer, you need to think about what will be the actual costs of buying your new home and can you get any help with the costs. In fact, the States do operate a first time buyer’s grant scheme. However, the scheme has not kept up with the continuing rise in house prices. The scheme only applies to house purchases where the purchase price is less than £150,000 so, unfortunately, very few buyers are now able to benefit from the scheme.
…can be very daunting. How much can I afford? What type of house/flat do I require? Where? All these questions and worries can lead to hiding under the covers for several days! There is no need to resort to such drastic measures: there are numerous professionals who are there to help and make house buying an enjoyable and smooth experience.
I have been involved in property conveyancing and related matters for over thirty years in Guernsey and I am still surprised at the misconceptions amongst members of the public and members of the States of Guernsey as to the actual costs involved in buying, selling and borrowing.
The greatest costs in the conveyancing process are not advocates’ fees - notwithstanding that we have always been the whipping boys when it comes to politicians and other populists moaning about the cost of the procedure.
Following the introduction of the Real Property (Reform) (Guernsey) Law, 1987 new developments and conversions of larger properties in Guernsey has escalated. Alison Wood looks at the various factors that need reviewing when undertaking small developments or conversions in Guernsey. First published in Swoffers Estate Agents Local Market Brochure, January 2005
Guernsey leases seem at first glance to contain the familiar standard clauses usually found in English leases. However there can be many pitfalls for the unwary. Alison Wood outlines the differences that may occur between the two types of leases.
Ozannes’ guide to purchasing an open or local market dwelling house is a comprehensive guide outlining all considerations and actions that need to be undertaken when purchasing a Guernsey property.
Prospective purchasers do not often realise the importance of considering what would happen to their property upon their death. Guernsey laws of inheritance are different and Edward Prentice explains the important points that need to be understood. First published in Swoffers Estate Agents Local Market Brochure, July 2004
Many problems can arise when boundary points are unclear, causing disputes between neighbouring properties. Edward Prentice discusses the various problems that can occur and the procedures to follow to avoid such disputes. First published in Lovells Estate Agents Open Market Brochure, July 2004
Julie Perfitt describes a typical day in the life of a conveyancing clerk and the duties that this particular career path entails. First published for the Guernsey Careers Convention in January 2004.
Roger Perrot, Ozannes' senior partner looks at the recent case of John D Wood & Co (Residential and Agricultural) Ltd v Knatchbull and discusses the implications of this judgment on estate agents.
Inheritance laws in Guernsey are different to English law. This note is a general guide only looking at the important points to note in relation to the disposal of property in Guernsey upon the death of the owner.
The evolvement of the finance industry over the last 25 years has resulted in increasingly more complex property transactions. Edward Prentice explains the various procedures that need to be actioned to take a transaction through to completion. First published in the Special Report: Commercial Property in Business Brief Magazine in 2002.
PO Box 186, 1 Le Marchant Street, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4HP.
Tel: +44 (0) 1481 723466 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 710021
Email: conveyancing@ozannes.com www.ozannes.com