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Continue reading →: Neighbour’s bamboo spreading into my garden: Your legal rights in England and WalesNeighbour’s bamboo spreading into my garden Bamboo has become one of the fastest-growing causes of neighbour disputes in England and Wales. Once marketed as an attractive privacy screen and low-maintenance garden feature, certain varieties of bamboo are now creating serious problems for homeowners. Running bamboo can spread aggressively through underground…
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Continue reading →: Neighbour CCTV disputes in England and Wales: Your legal rights on Ring doorbells, privacy and surveillanceFor generations, our gardens were viewed as a private retreat — a place where neighbours could coexist with a respectful degree of distance and privacy. That quiet understanding is now being tested by the rapid rise of smart home surveillance. Ring doorbells, wireless CCTV systems and high-definition security cameras have…
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Continue reading →: Can I occupy my new house before completion? A guide to licences to occupyBuying a home in England and Wales can feel like a race against time—especially when your moving dates don’t quite line up. If you’re caught between exchange and completion with nowhere to go – and your new property is already vacant – you might wonder: can I move in early?…
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Continue reading →: What is commonhold?Commonhold is a form of property ownership in England and Wales that allows individuals to own the freehold of their individual unit (such as a flat) while jointly owning and managing the shared parts of the building with other unit owners. It was introduced by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform…
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Continue reading →: Is a 125 year lease long enough?It sounds generous at first glance. After all, 125 years is longer than most people will ever own a property. But in practice, a 125 year lease is often not long enough—at least not if you care about long-term value, mortgageability, and future saleability. In this guide, I explain why.…
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Continue reading →: What is the Executor’s Year? A clear guide for beneficiaries in England and WalesWhen someone dies, it’s natural for beneficiaries to expect the estate to be distributed quickly—especially where the Will appears straightforward. In reality, the process often takes longer than expected. One key concept explains why: the “executor’s year.” Understanding this principle can help manage expectations, reduce conflict, and ensure the estate…
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Continue reading →: Can you be buried in your garden in England and Wales?Can you be buried in your garden? It’s a question that arises more often than you might expect: can you be buried in your garden? The short answer is yes—home burial is legal in England and Wales. However, it comes with important legal, environmental, and practical considerations that your loved…
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Continue reading →: Do long term tenants have more rights in England and Wales in 2026?Do long term tenants have more rights If you’ve rented the same home for years—maybe even decades—it’s natural to feel a sense of security. You’ve paid your rent reliably, built a life there, and perhaps even treated the property like your own. But does the law actually reward that loyalty? Do…
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Continue reading →: Adultery and divorce settlements: Will an unfaithful spouse get half of everything?Adultery and divorce settlements Divorce is rarely easy. When infidelity is involved, it can feel even more unfair—especially when the question of money arises. A common solicitors hear is: if my spouse cheated, do they still get half of everything? The short answer is: usually, yes. In England and Wales,…
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Continue reading →: Chancel repair liability explained (UK): What homeowners need to knowChancel repair liability is one of the most surprising risks in property ownership in England and Wales. It rarely appears on a homebuyer’s checklist—yet in some cases, it can lead to significant, unexpected costs. If you’re buying, selling, or already own a property, understanding this obscure but still-relevant legal obligation…
Hello,
I’m Clare, the Silver Brief
After 25 years practising law in England, I retired in 2025. Now a non-practising solicitor, I created this blog to share clear, jargon-free, and objective legal insights. I hope you find the content helpful.
