Waterstone Legal

Waterstone Legal Clear advice. Solid support. We have a team of specialist Solicitors with forward thinking visions.

A people-first London law firm helping you navigate conveyancing, immigration, and family law with practical guidance, responsive service, and confidence. Waterstone Legal is a London law firm specialising in Immigration, Family, Commercial property, Landlords and Tenants, Employment etc.

17 September could matter before 17 September arrives.Bank Rate is currently 3.75%, but lenders can adjust fixed mortgag...
02/09/2026

17 September could matter before 17 September arrives.

Bank Rate is currently 3.75%, but lenders can adjust fixed mortgage pricing before the Bank of England announces its next decision.

If you are already buying or selling, keeping the legal work moving could help you stay prepared while rates remain uncertain.

Connect with Waterstone Legal for the legal side of your property move.

Mortgage products and eligibility vary. Seek advice from a qualified mortgage adviser.

Bank details changed? Stop before you transfer.Property transactions involve substantial payments, making buyers potenti...
28/08/2026

Bank details changed? Stop before you transfer.

Property transactions involve substantial payments, making buyers potential targets for payment-diversion fraud. Criminals may impersonate a solicitor or interfere with email correspondence in an attempt to redirect deposit or completion funds.

Before sending money:

• Do not rely on bank details in an unexpected email or message
• Call your solicitor using a number you already know and trust
• Confirm the account name and bank details directly
• Do not allow anyone to pressure you into transferring funds quickly

If you believe money has been sent to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud.

Buying a property? Our conveyancing team can guide you through the process and the appropriate payment checks.

This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.

A smoother property transaction often starts before you instruct your solicitor.Having the right information ready can r...
26/08/2026

A smoother property transaction often starts before you instruct your solicitor.

Having the right information ready can reduce avoidable delays and help your conveyancer begin the necessary checks promptly.

Prepare these five things:

1. Valid identification and proof of address
2. Evidence showing the source of your funds
3. Mortgage lender or broker details
4. Property information, fixtures and fittings forms if selling
5. Lease and management information for a leasehold property

Your conveyancer may request additional documents depending on the property and how the purchase is being funded.

Buying or selling a property? Speak to our conveyancing team about the next steps.

Save this checklist for your move—or share it with someone preparing to buy or sell.

This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.

Myth: “We have lived together for years, so we are legally married.”“Common-law marriage” is not a legal status in Engla...
24/08/2026

Myth: “We have lived together for years, so we are legally married.”

“Common-law marriage” is not a legal status in England and Wales—even if a couple has lived together for many years or has children.

Cohabiting partners do not automatically receive the same legal and financial rights as spouses or civil partners when they separate or when one partner dies.

Although the government has consulted on potential reforms, the proposals are not currently law.

Cohabiting couples may wish to consider:

• A cohabitation agreement
• How their property is legally owned
• A declaration of trust
• Making or updating their wills
• Their wider financial arrangements

Planning ahead can provide greater clarity and protection for both partners.

This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.

Did you apply before 3 August 2026?Changes to the UK Immigration Rules took effect on 3 August. Still, the applicable ru...
21/08/2026

Did you apply before 3 August 2026?

Changes to the UK Immigration Rules took effect on 3 August. Still, the applicable rules may depend on the specific immigration route, the provision under consideration, and the date the application was filed.

For certain changes, applications submitted before 3 August are assessed under the rules in force on 2 August 2026. However, not every change has the same transitional arrangements.

When reviewing your position, check:

• Your immigration route
• The date your application was submitted
• The specific rule that changed
• Any applicable transitional provisions

If you are uncertain which rules apply to your application, seek advice based on your particular circumstances.

This post provides general information only and is not immigration advice.

The final deadline for using an old Section 21 notice has passed.For Section 21 notices served on or before 30 April 202...
19/08/2026

The final deadline for using an old Section 21 notice has passed.

For Section 21 notices served on or before 30 April 2026, landlords generally needed to ask the court to issue possession proceedings by 31 July 2026—or earlier if the notice expired before that date.

If a claim was issued by the deadline, the proceedings may continue. If it was not, the old notice can no longer be used to apply for a possession order.

Landlords may need to consider the possession grounds available under the current system. Tenants who have received a notice should also check whether the correct procedure has been followed.

Issued or received an old notice? Seek advice about your individual circumstances before taking action.

This post applies to private renting in England and provides general information only.

Could new development be coming to an area near you?New planning rules in England are intended to support more housebuil...
17/08/2026

Could new development be coming to an area near you?

New planning rules in England are intended to support more housebuilding within reasonable walking distance of well-connected train, tram and Underground stations.

A “default yes” does not mean every development will automatically be approved. Proposed schemes must still satisfy the relevant planning requirements.

If you are buying or selling near a proposed development, it is important to consider:

• Local authority searches and planning proposals
• Title restrictions and covenants
• Rights of way and access
• The potential effect of nearby development

Our property team can help you understand the legal position before you commit.

This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.

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