Frank Smith & Co

03/09/2026

Could your home be subject to a government valuation under the incoming “mansion tax”? 🏡

The Government has announced further details of how homes could be assessed for the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS), including powers for HMRC valuation officers to request access to properties to determine whether they meet the £2 million threshold.

These details include proposed penalties for homeowners who obstruct valuation officers or fail to provide requested information without a reasonable excuse, with fines of up to £500.

With the scheme still some way off, understanding the proposals now could help property owners prepare for what is to come.

Read the full article from The Telegraph below. 👇

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/08/22/burnham-to-send-mansion-tax-police-to-your-home/

Inspectors can demand access to properties, and owners can be fined for refusing, in ‘assault on civil liberties’

28/08/2026

Wishing you a lovely August Bank Holiday from all of us at Frank Smith & Co! ☀️

Whether you're enjoying a long weekend with family and friends, getting out into the countryside or simply taking some well-earned time to relax, we hope you have a fantastic break.

Please note that our offices will be closed on Monday 31st August. We'll be back open as usual on Tuesday 1st September and look forward to speaking with you then.

Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend! 🌿

26/08/2026

Calling all Cheltenham dog owners 🐾

Happy National Dog Day from all of us at Frank Smith & Co!

From early morning walks around Pittville Park to adventures up Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham has plenty of places to explore with your favourite companion.

If you’re in need of a new dog lead, we have branded leads available to collect from our Rodney Road office.

Pop in, say hello and pick one up for your next walk. 🐶

25/08/2026

Business rates reform: a step in the right direction, or not enough? 🤔

The Government has announced the first step in its plans to reform business rates, with pubs, social clubs and most live music venues in England set to receive a 20% reduction in their bills from April 2027.

The change is expected to benefit almost 32,000 businesses, with the typical pub estimated to save around £1,100 a year.

The £100 million annual package is intended to support businesses that contribute to local communities, with the Government also reviewing reliefs for businesses it says do not make a 'positive contribution', such as v**e shops.

However, the move has also reignited the wider debate around whether the system needs more fundamental reform, rather than a series of targeted adjustments.

Read the Property Week analysis on the future of business rates below. 👇

https://www.propertyweek.com/analysis/business-rates-crying-out-for-wholesale-reform-not-tinkering

Whether or not Andy Burnham is a “people pleaser”, as he was recently labelled by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, the new prime minister has certainly set out to bring corporate joy through bill reductions.

21/08/2026

England has lost more than one in seven agricultural holdings in the last 20 years. 🌾

New analysis by LandSale of government agricultural holdings data shows that the total number in England fell from 247,500 in 2005 to 211,500 last year, a reduction of nearly 15%.

The figures reflect the changing structure of the sector, with retirement, farm sales, consolidation and expansion all influencing how agricultural land is owned and operated.

For landowners and farming families these changes raise important questions around their futures, and the succession, selling or expanding of holdings, and how best to protect them for the next generation.

As the landscape continues to evolve, having the right legal advice in place can be an important part of making informed decisions about your assets and your family's future.

Read the full article from Today's Conveyancer for more on the changes. 👇

https://todaysconveyancer.co.uk/number-farms-england-drops-14-6-landowners-face-changing-routes-market/

Number of farms in England drops 14.6% as landowners face changing routes to market: An analysis by LandSale has found that the number of agricultural holdings in England has fallen by 14.6% since 2005, highlighting the continued restructur

20/08/2026

How can you make sure your wishes are followed after you die? 💭

Having a clear plan in place can help give you and your loved ones greater certainty about what happens to your estate.

We asked our Partner in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, Nigel Sims, to share his advice on putting the right arrangements in place and why it's important to review them as your circumstances change.

Read Nigel's advice below. 👇

19/08/2026

Could changes to Inheritance Tax affect your estate? 👀

From 6 April 2027, unused pension pots are expected to count towards an estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, leaving some families potentially facing a significantly higher bill when a loved one dies.

For those with pensions, property and other substantial assets, now could be a good time to review how your estate is structured and consider what the changes could mean for your beneficiaries.

If you expect your estate to be liable for Inheritance Tax, either now or following the proposed pension changes, early planning could help you understand your options and make informed decisions about the future.

At Frank Smith & Co Solicitors, we can review your personal, financial and tax circumstances and advise on the best options available to you to help manage your potential Inheritance Tax liability.

✉️ [email protected]
📞 01242 358170

13/08/2026

Buying a rural property? 🌳🏡

There’s more to it than finding the right house, land or location.

From access rights and boundaries to existing occupiers and restrictions on how the property can be used, rural transactions often come with legal considerations that aren't immediately obvious.

The good news? Once your offer has been accepted, we'll carry out a range of important legal checks, giving you a clear picture of exactly what you're buying and helping to make the process as smooth as possible.

When it comes to navigating the finer details, specialist legal advice can give you the confidence to move forward.

So, what's on our rural property conveyancing checklist? 👇

07/08/2026

What is the “mansion tax” and could it affect you? 🏡

The so-called “mansion tax” is the informal name for the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) – a new annual charge planned for residential properties in England valued at £2 million or more.

Due to come into effect from April 2028, the surcharge will sit alongside existing Council Tax and will be paid by the property owner. The proposed charge will range from £2,500 to £7,500 a year, depending on the value of the property.

The government has now closed its consultation, with the final position still to be confirmed.

With questions still remaining around how the legislation would be applied in practice, our Founder and Managing Partner, Frank Smith, says rural property owners will want to keep a close eye on the detail as it emerges. 👇

06/08/2026

The equestrian sector comes with its own unique legal considerations, from planning and property matters to the sale and purchase of businesses.

Our specialist team can advise on:

🐎 The sale and purchase of equestrian property, including the unique planning regime associated with equestrian uses.

🐎 Letting equestrian property, helping owners understand their legal obligations and protect their interests.

🐎 The sale and purchase of equestrian businesses, including livery yards and studs.

What sets our team apart is our first-hand understanding of this world. Some of our lawyers are horse owners and active competitors themselves, giving us genuine insight into how the sector works and the practical considerations that can sit behind a transaction.

Looking for legal advice from a team that understands the equestrian sector? Get in touch with us.

[email protected]

01242 358170