Will Jones, Newly Qualified Solicitor

Franklins Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce that William Jones has qualified as a Solicitor, following the completion of his training contract with the Firm.

Will joined Franklins as a Paralegal in 2016, after having attained a 2:1 Law Degree from Leicester University. He then went on to complete his Legal Practice Course on a part-time basis whilst working at Franklins and was rewarded for his hard work by achieving a distinction. Will has gained a huge amount of experience during his training contract with the Firm having worked in Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property Services. As a qualified Solicitor, Will has accepted a permanent role within the Firm’s Residential Property Team, based at our Northampton office.

“It is an amazing feeling to qualify as a Solicitor today, five years after beginning my legal career as a Paralegal at Franklins. I have received an incredible amount of support and training from everyone at Franklins over the past years, and have been given a wonderful opportunity to develop my legal skills.  I am delighted to have been offered a position within the Residential Property Team to begin my career as a Solicitor.” – Will Jones, newly qualified Solicitor.

Scott Wright, Partner & Head of Residential Property Northampton, at Franklins said “This is thoroughly deserved and an achievement through the most trying of times. Despite everything that has been thrown at him, ranging from the pandemic to the stamp duty holiday madness, he has conducted himself professionally and with an absolutely fantastic attitude. This attitude and desire to deliver for clients are just two of his many qualities which will ensure he has a brilliant career. Congratulations Will.”

Franklins’ Partner and Head of Business Services, Andrea Smith, praised Will saying “Will has worked incredibly hard throughout his training contract and is a fantastic example of how hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment pays dividends. Will is an asset to the Firm and we are very pleased to be able to support his future career.”

Franklins would like to wish Will continued success in his role as a newly qualified Solicitor as he continues his legal career with us.

The government has recently announced that it will introduce a ban on the sale of new houses as leasehold, with new build houses to be sold on a freehold basis except in the most extraordinary circumstances. Ground rents will also be reduced to zero for any new leases entered into.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire stated “We have long recognised that we have a responsibility to confront unfairness in the leasehold market”.

“We will legislate to ensure that in the future – save for the most exceptional circumstances – all new houses will be sold on a freehold basis. We are committed to taking bold action to reform the sector and will be pressing ahead as soon as parliamentary time allows.”

The new policy is in response to widespread criticism of the leasehold system of property which has left many homeowners unhappy with rises in the ground rent and service charge demanded by the freeholder, and that such charges have affected their ability to sell their property. The changes brought in however will only affect new build properties, and there is yet to be any comment from the government about reform to the leasehold system for existing properties.

For advice and assistance in selling your leasehold home, please contact our expert Residential Property team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966.

A recent survey conducted by Saga has revealed that a stamp duty exemption for those wishing to downsize would encourage those taking part in the survey to move home.

The survey revealed that 73% of those taking part over the age of 50 would support a move of one free stamp duty move if they were to be downsizing. Furthermore, 25% of respondents suggested that the cost of moving home was a serious deterrent in deciding whether to move, despite being otherwise keen to move due to their current property now being too large, or wishing to reduce the day to day running costs of their house.

Supporters for the move say that the removal of stamp duty for downsizing would free up more houses for younger buyers, making it easier for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder. The government has of course already shown their intention to assist first time buyers with their own stamp duty exemption, and it will be interesting to see whether further support in this form will be agreed.

For now the position remains unchanged and stamp duty will continue to be charged at the usual rate regardless of whether a buyer is downsizing. Pressure is however being applied to the government to reconsider its position.

For advice relating to stamp duty on your property purchase, contact our expert Residential Property team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966.