Leonard Gray LLP

07/04/2026

Sold in just 9 days!

Another fantastic result by Leonard Gray Estate Agents. This spacious 4-bedroom detached home in the popular village of Boreham, complete with annex potential, a south-facing garden, and flexible living, didn’t stay on the market for long.

Thinking of selling? Now’s the time.

12/03/2026

Proposed Changes to the Wills Act 1837 - What Are They?

What is the Wills Act 1837?

The Wills Act 1837 sets out the legal rules for how a person in England and Wales can decide what happens to their assets after their death by making a Will - and what makes that Will valid.

Yes, the law that governs Wills dates back almost 200 years to 1837! The Law Commission has now published recommendations to modernise and reform the Wills Act.

This article outlines some of the key proposed changes...

Electronic Wills

Current Law:
Under the current Wills Act, a valid Will must be: Signed by the person making the Will (the “testator”), in the presence of two independent adult witnesses, who must also sign the Will.

Recommendation:
The Law Commission recommends that electronic Wills should be recognised as valid, provided they meet specific additional formal requirements to ensure security and authenticity.

Mental Capacity

Current Law:
To make a valid Will, a person must have the mental capacity to do so.

Currently, two tests are used to assess this:

• The Banks v Goodfellow (1870) test, which requires that the person:
• Understands they are making a Will and what it does.
• Understands the extent of their estate and what they own.
• Understands who might expect to inherit from them and the possible claims others may bring.

Is not affected by any mental disorder or delusion that influences their decisions.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 test states that a person lacks capacity if, at the time, they cannot make a specific decision due to an impairment of the mind or brain.

A person is considered unable to make a decision if they cannot:

• Understand the information relevant to that decision;
• Retain that information;
• Use or weigh that information as part of the decision-making process; or
• Communicate their decision.

Recommendation:
The Law Commission recommends that only one test - the test under the Mental Capacity Act - should apply, as it is the more modern and consistent standard.

The Age for Making a Will

Current Law:
A person must currently be 18 years old to make a valid Will. If someone under 18 makes a Will, it is invalid.

This means that if a person under 18 becomes critically ill, they cannot legally decide who will receive their assets - these usually pass to their parents.

Recommendation:
The Law Commission recommends reducing the minimum age to 16 years old, noting that at this age, individuals can already leave school and are presumed capable of making medical decisions.

Marriage and Civil Partnerships

Current Law:
Currently, when someone marries or enters a civil partnership, their existing Will is automatically revoked, unless the Will clearly shows it was made in anticipation of that marriage or partnership.

If no new Will is made, the estate is distributed under the Rules of Intestacy, which set out who inherits and in what order.

Under these rules, the surviving spouse or civil partner currently receives:

• A fixed sum of £322,000, plus
• Half of any remaining estate, with the other half divided among the deceased’s children (or other relatives if there are no children).

Recommendation:
The Law Commission proposes abolishing the rule that marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes a Will.

They believe this will give individuals greater freedom to control what happens to their assets and help prevent so-called “predatory marriages”, where someone marries a vulnerable person primarily to inherit from them.

What Happens Next?

The Law Commission has made several recommendations to update the Wills Act 1837, and the Government has welcomed these proposals, recognising that the law is outdated and needs to evolve.

However, the Government also stresses the importance of ensuring that any reform:

Protects the elderly and vulnerable from undue influence, and
Preserves people’s existing freedoms to make decisions about their estates.

Further announcements from the Government are expected in due course.

11/03/2026

Welcome to the team, Elyse.

We’re delighted to welcome Elyse Pearson, a newly qualified Solicitor who joined Leonard Gray LLP in January 2026, working within our Commercial Property team.

Elyse advises a broad range of clients on all aspects of non-contentious commercial property matters. Her experience includes new commercial leases, lease renewals and assignments, acquisitions and disposals, private loan agreements, and both voluntary and statutory lease extensions. She also regularly advises on property finance matters, acting for both lenders and borrowers on secured lending transactions.

With a pragmatic and commercially focused approach, Elyse works closely with clients to fully understand their objectives and provide clear, practical advice throughout each transaction. She is known for being approachable and personable, and is committed to delivering efficient, well-managed outcomes for her clients.

Outside of the office, Elyse enjoys spending time being active: whether that be socially or by swimming as part of her regular fitness routine.

Welcome to the team, Elyse - we’re thrilled to have you on board.

24/02/2026

SOLD within 5 days!
A spacious two-bedroom apartment set within a highly sought-after, exclusive development in the heart of historic Great Baddow village.

10/02/2026

We’re pleased to introduce Serena, a friendly and conscientious Paralegal in our Family Law Department at Leonard Gray LLP.

With a longstanding passion for family law, Serena works closely alongside Sarah Orrell and Devon McNamara, supporting clients through what are often highly emotional and challenging circumstances. She is committed to providing clear, thoughtful and individualised support, ensuring clients feel guided and reassured at every stage of their matter.

Serena’s first role at Leonard Gray was for a two-week period of work experience in August 2023, shortly before her final year at university. After graduating from the University of Cambridge in 2024, she went on to work as a Family Paralegal at a boutique law firm, where she gained valuable experience across both public and private children law matters. This included disputes relating to child arrangements and cases involving domestic abuse, giving Serena a strong grounding in sensitive and complex family law issues.

Since returning to Leonard Gray in August 2025, Serena has assisted on a wide range of matters, including financial remedies following divorce, dissolution and cohabitation breakdown, as well as contact arrangements for parents and their children. She regularly supports clients by preparing documentation and correspondence, liaising with all parties involved, and attending court hearings, conferences and client appointments.

Serena prides herself on being approachable and attentive, with a particular focus on ensuring clients feel heard, understood and confident in reaching out with any questions or concerns throughout their case.

Her commitment to family law is also deeply personal: from growing up alongside foster siblings to later supporting her own family through divorce, Serena’s experiences continue to shape her compassionate and empathetic approach to client care.

Outside of work, Serena enjoys spending time around animals, reading mystery novels, and writing short stories and songs.

26/01/2026

Guide Prices: Clever Marketing or Just a Con?

I have over 45 years of experience as an estate agent, so I’d like to think I’ve seen most types of market conditions during that time.

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly common for agents to advertise properties using a “Guide Price” rather than a clear, fixed asking price.

For example, a property might be marketed as “Guide Price £350,000 to £400,000”, or in some cases with an even wider range, such as “£700,000 to £775,000.”

Personally, I find it incredible that these price ranges can be so wide. In reality, the first figure most buyers notice is the lower one – and in many cases, that figure is misleading.

So, is this clever marketing… or simply a con?

What often happens next is predictable. A potential buyer clicks through to view the full details, only to discover the higher figure. At that point, they feel misled and more often than not, they decide not to enquire at all. And frankly, who can blame them?

In recent months, I’ve spoken to and carried out research with a number of potential buyers, many of whom have told me they either won’t view a property advertised with a guide price at all, or are immediately put off because they feel the agent or seller is “playing a game”.

The last thing any seller wants, particularly in what is currently a buyer’s market, is to discourage viewings before they even begin.

So why does it happen?

Are some agents reluctant to give an honest opinion of a property’s true value? Or are they trying to secure an instruction by including a vendor’s desired figure at the unrealistic top end of a guide price range?

I’ll let you decide – but I would suggest it’s the latter.

Over the last few months, I’ve noticed in the newly added section of Rightmove that virtually 50% of homes are being reduced each day. Why is that?

To me, this only reinforces the theory of overzealous valuations designed to win instructions, rather than accurately reflect the market.

Think of it this way: if you visit your doctor or dentist, do they give you a wide range of possible diagnoses just to keep you happy, or do they tell you how it is? Like them, estate agents are professionals. Our job is to give clear, honest advice, whether it’s what you want to hear or not.

I genuinely relish the opportunity to speak with anyone who would value consistent, honest, and transparent advice, whether you’re actively selling now or simply thinking about the future.

Andy Hunt
Branch Manager, Leonard Gray Estate Agents

22/01/2026

Why Are Family Members Asked to Wait Outside During Legal Appointments?

It can feel uncomfortable, even worrying, to be asked to step outside while a loved one meets privately with their solicitor.

But there’s a very good reason for this.

Private meetings help solicitors confirm their client’s identity, understand their wishes clearly, and ensure advice is given without conflicts of interest. They also allow clients to speak openly about sensitive matters in a confidential setting.

Importantly, these meetings protect vulnerable clients by ensuring they have the capacity to make informed decisions and that no undue influence is present, safeguarding both the client and their family from future disputes.

Once the meeting ends, family members may be invited back in, but only at the client’s request and where it’s appropriate to do so.

While it may feel awkward in the moment, this process exists to protect everyone involved - especially the people you care about most.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE - https://leonardgray.co.uk/2026/01/why-am-i-asked-to-wait-outside-understanding-private-legal-meetings/

Why are family members asked to wait outside during legal appointments? Learn why solicitors meet clients alone and how it protects them.

20/01/2026

🏡 Thinking about selling… or just curious?

With so much uncertainty around pricing strategies, receiving clear, honest advice from the outset has never been more important.

That’s why throughout January, Leonard Gray Estate Agents are offering FREE, no-obligation property valuations - giving homeowners an accurate, transparent view of where their property truly sits in today’s market.

The Chelmsford market is constantly changing, and a quick online estimate doesn’t tell the full story.

✔ No obligation
✔ Honest advice
✔ Accurate local insights

Call Andy or Kate today to book your free valuation.
01245 266765
Book your FREE Valuation Online at:
https://www.leonardgrayproperty.co.uk/valuation/

13/01/2026

Chelmsford homeowners trust Leonard Gray Estate Agents - and it shows.

With outstanding Google reviews and a reputation built on honesty, professionalism and results, Leonard Gray Estate Agents are proud to support local sellers every step of the way.

To celebrate, we’re running a FREE Valuation Event throughout January, giving you expert insight into your home’s value, with no obligation.

Speak to Andy or Kate today and see why so many homeowners recommend Leonard Gray.
01245 266765
Book your FREE Valuation Online at:
https://www.leonardgrayproperty.co.uk/valuation/

“We have just received the keys to our new property, and we must say that from beginning to end it has been a wonderful experience. A special thanks to Andy and Kate - two lovely and very professional staff members - for their guidance and support throughout the purchase. We truly appreciate your professionalism and all the help you gave us along the way.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Have just completed the sale of a 3 bed terraced house in Springfield, was very pleased with the perseverance and diligence of Andy & Kate and the team of solicitors working in conjunction with them. The whole process seems to take an overly long time these days, but I was kept in touch with events continuously throughout, with clear and concise communication.
I would have no trouble using Leonard Gray Estate Agents again and recommending to others."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

View More Reviews - https://bit.ly/4pTD2ue

08/01/2026

Thinking of selling in 2026? Start with the right valuation.

Our experienced team at Leonard Gray don’t just value properties, we help homeowners make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

As part of our January FREE Valuation Event, you can receive:

✅ A professional, no-obligation valuation
✅ Accurate pricing based on Chelmsford’s local market
✅ Friendly, honest advice from our experienced team led by our Manager, Andy Hunt

Get in touch today - it’s completely free.
01245 266765
Book your FREE Valuation Online at:
https://www.leonardgrayproperty.co.uk/valuation/

30/12/2025

Understanding your legal rights during divorce: A simple guide

There is a reason that they say that divorce falls within the top five most stressful life events. Deciding to proceed with a divorce is not always easy, particularly if the process seems overwhelming!

If you’re considering or going through a divorce in England or Wales, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps involved.

This guide offers a straightforward overview of what you need to know to navigate the process with confidence.

View the full article here: https://www.leonardgray.co.uk/2025/12/understanding-your-legal-rights-during-divorce-a-simple-guide/