Julie West Solicitors

29/04/2026

Many lenders now expect borrowers to use an “approved panel” solicitor, often prioritising volume over specialist judgment. Our colleague Talat Naveed explains why that matters (especially when a property deal isn’t straightforward) and what borrowers can do about it.

Read the blog:

13/04/2026

RICS is consulting on new Party Wall guidance that could change how party wall matters are handled in practice.

From notices to surveyor appointments, the draft guidance raises the bar.

Read our blog to find out what it could mean for your project.

RICS has launched a consultation on the draft eighth edition of its Party Wall guidance—a move that is likely to influence how party wall matters are handled across residential and development projects in England and Wales. While the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 remains unchanged, the guidance plays a...

30/03/2026

Many people own their home jointly, but far fewer are clear on what actually happens to that property when one owner dies.

In her latest article, our private client solicitor Emma Westsmith explains the crucial difference between owning property as joint tenants or as tenants in common, and why this matters for wills, probate and inheritance planning.

Understanding how your property is owned can make a real difference to whether your wishes are carried out and can help avoid unnecessary stress for your family later on.

You can read the full article here: www.juliewestsolicitors.co.uk/news/2026/3/30/what-happens-to-jointly-owned-property-if-one-owner-dies

If you would like advice tailored to your own circumstances, our friendly private client team at Julie West Solicitors is always happy to help.

For many homeowners in London, Surrey and across England and Wales, property is owned jointly – by spouses, civil partners, co‑habiting couples, family members or friends. A common question we are asked is: what happens to the property if one of the owners dies? Julie West Solicitors private cli...

12/03/2026

The Building Safety Act has changed the rules for anyone owning or living in a residential block. Our latest blog breaks down what the law requires and how Julie West Solicitors can help you stay on the right side of it.

Read more:

The Building Safety Act 2022 (as strengthened by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024) has transformed the legal landscape for anyone owning, managing, or living in a residential block. It is complex, technical, and easy to get wrong and mistakes can be extremely costly. At Julie West Solicit

10/02/2026

Many clients across the country have been left in limbo after the unexpected closure of PM Law and dozens of connected firms. Files, transactions, and ongoing cases have been disrupted overnight, leaving people unsure where to turn next.

If you were affected by the PM Law collapse, you do not need to wait to be contacted, you can instruct a new solicitor immediately.

Talat Naveed has written a clear, practical blog explaining what happened and how we can help, which you can read here:

The shock closure of PM Law and its associated 41 firms have left hundreds of clients stranded, with files missing, transactions frozen, and claims on hold. If your matter has been affected, don’t panic. Our team is stepping in to help clients get back on track fast.

10/02/2026

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is bringing some of the biggest changes the rental sector has seen in years, from the end of Section 21 to new rules on rent increases and pets.

Talat Naveed (solicitor) has broken down the key changes in a clear, practical guide to help both landlords and tenants understand what’s coming, what it means, and how to prepare ahead of the May 2026 rollout.

Check out the full blog here:

Solicitor Talat Naveed explains the most significant reform to residential landlord and tenant law in a generation.

13/03/2024

Nothing like a good cup of coffee and a chat with colleagues to strengthen our resolve to get our clients safely to where they want to be - moved into their new homes!

As part of National Conveyancing Week Leatherhead's Julie West Solicitors invited local conveyancers to an informal networking event at Thorncroft Manor.

Subjects discussed included a National Trading Standards’ 2023 initiative intended to speed up moving house and reduce the number of “fall through” transactions - Material and Upfront Information; also, a more controversial initiative some stakeholders believe would facilitate homebuying, the Digital Property Market.

Land Registry delays featured high on the list of obstacles to fast, efficient conveyancing; we also reflected on anti-money laundering and sanctions due diligence and reporting back-office responsibilities now loaded onto the conveyancing process.

Shared Ownership, Commonhold, Ground Rents and the Building Safety Act are all causing issues, whilst speculation continues about the final details in the Leasehold Reform Bill (currently going through parliament).

Our solicitors enjoyed some great coffee and a tasty lunch, thanks to caterers Roci & Co. Given the pressures of working in conveyancing it is no surprise that law firms are placing increasing emphasis on the wellbeing of their staff. Getting together with colleagues to let off steam and discuss the issues we face every day really helps.

Get in touch if you are a conveyancer local to Leatherhead and would like to be included in a similar networking event in future: [email protected].
Pictured are solicitors Lenworth Boreland Celia Perry Julie West (we missed you Martin Whitehorn!) and apprentice solicitor Bree Kerry

To start a conversation with your solicitor, call us on 01372 383273 or complete our online enquiry form https://www.juliewestsolicitors.co.uk/contact

07/12/2023

A lovely evening in a majestic building made all the more welcoming by fresh flowers and twinkly lights on all the pillars - thank you! 🙏🎄

02/12/2023

Take some time out to enjoy some festive fun and a tipple with international award winning chorus VDC 🎄✨🧑‍🎄🎶

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit with a super festive Christmas concert? Come & join us for an evening of song & fun on Tuesday - tickets are still available by emailing [email protected] or on the door on the night! 🎄🎶

01/11/2023

Julie West sings baritone with Vocal Dimension Chorus and was thrilled to have been a part of Harmony Classic in Louisville Kentucky October 2024 🎬🎭🎶🐎🥈

We are all incredibly proud to have placed 2nd in the Harmony Classic Division A International finals! With a score of 1290 - our highest score ever!

The Great British Baking Contest has been an absolute joy to create & perform. We’ve had so many lovely comments & messages, it’s been wonderful.🧁🥖🍞🍰