Legal Jargon

When buying or selling a property, vacant possession means that the property is empty on the day of completion, and the sellers or tenants have moved out and taken their belongings or equipment with them.

A very simple form of survey designed to establish what a property is worth and nothing more.

Another word for “seller”.

A designated urban area where the use of bonfires and open fires, and in some cases log burners, is very limited. Where fires are permitted, there may be strict rules governing which fuels may be burned. Smoke control areas were introduced to improve air quality in built-up areas. Transgressing the rules of smoke control areas can result in substantial fines.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), often simply referred to as stamp duty, is a tax paid by the buyer on the purchase of land or property. It is charged as a percentage of the purchase price. The threshold at which SDLT kicks in, and the precise percentage charged, varies depending on whether it is residential or non-residential and who is buying the property. For example, first-time buyers enjoy a higher threshold for SDLT, a measure introduced to reduce the obstacles for those trying to get onto the property ladder.

A written declaration (statement) signed before a Justice of the Peace or a person who is authorised to administer oaths (such as a solicitor) but which is not sworn on any religious book (not “made upon oath”).

In conveyancing matters this is a document similar to a statement made under oath (affidavit), however, it is not sworn. Statutory declarations are commonly used to allow a person to declare something to be true for the purposes of satisfying some legal requirement or regulation when no other evidence is available – for example the use of a right of way.

Where a property or parts of it move or sink, either due to poor construction or movement in the ground on which it is built.

An inspection of a property to assess its condition and identify any defects that may affect its value. There are three different types of survey – a basic valuation, which is usually carried out by a lender for mortgage purposes to confirm that the property would justify the level of loan being requested; a “Home Buyers” survey, which is a mid-range survey suitable for most purposes; and, a full structural survey, which is usually advised for older properties.

A natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties and other developments. SuDS work by slowing down and holding back the water that runs off from a site, allowing natural processes to break down pollutants.

The person currently the owner of a leasehold property – for most purposes the same as the “Lessee”.