MSHB

When a property is being sold, the Title Deeds (the documents setting out legal ownership, boundaries, rights of access etc) will be examined by the purchaser’s solicitor. The purchaser’s solicitor will want to be satisfied that the seller can transfer valid title to the purchaser at settlement and that there are no defects with the title which may adversely impact on the purchaser. A lender taking security over the property will also want reassurance that there are no such defects affecting the value of the property or the lender’s ability to sell should they enforce security in their favour.

The impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns has resulted in an unprecedented shift by employers towards adapting a more flexible working policy. Whilst many companies have now enacted formal hybrid working policies and appear to be moving away from the traditional office unit set up, Scottish commercial property has had its best first half of the year for investment volumes since 2018.^[1] As we move forward from the pandemic, we consider its continued impact on the commercial property market.

Marriage is always topical in our team but especially so as of late – no, we’re not talking about J.Lo and Ben – our very own Gabrielle tied the knot on 15 July 2022 (see picture)! The revelation however that J.Lo made the change to become Mrs Jennifer Affleck lead to a discussion on name changes in Scotland so we have put together a brief ‘how-to’ guide for changing your name – and reverting! 

Last week, after securing her restricted practising certificate, our current Litigation and Family trainee solicitor, Anna Fox, made her first two court appearances. Anna appeared (virtually) at Paisley and Greenock Sheriff Courts.