Skip to main content
Waterstone Legal
020 7063 9040 Client portal Make an enquiry
LAWTEE — THE WATERSTONE LEGAL BLOG

Law, in plain English.

A new article every week, written by the solicitor who actually does the work — covering every service we offer, minus the jargon.

Every Monday · Written by the team Also on Medium →
hidden costs of buying a house
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK CONVEYANCING
The Hidden Cost Of Buying A House In The UK In 2026

Buying a house in the UK in 2026? Discover the hidden costs beyond the purchase price and budget with confidence.

Waterstone Legal 1 Jul 2026 · 4 min read
Read article →
ALL ARTICLES

Something useful, every week

65 articles · weekly since November 2024
All articles ConveyancingFamily lawImmigrationBusiness & disputes
IMMIGRATION 10 Apr 2026
UK Immigration: When Is The Best Time To Move To The UK?

From visa applications under UK Immigration rules, properties to getting the most sunshine, consider these before moving to the UK.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
FAMILY LAW 26 Mar 2026
A Simple Guide To Legal Aid In Family Matters

Legal aid can be a lifeline in family matters. This simple guide breaks down how to check if you qualify and make an application.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 20 Mar 2026
Rom-Coms, Coaching Or Therapy? Divorce Coach Shares How To Decide What’s Best For You

Choosing from divorce coach or therapist for getting through divorce is personal. Read on to find out what might be best for you.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 11 Mar 2026
Moving To The UK? The Ultimate Immigration Checklist Before You Arrive

From visa approval to accommodation. A leading lawyer shares the ultimate immigration checklist you need before moving to the UK.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 4 Mar 2026
Transfer Of Equity In A Property: The 5 Key Steps

Transfer of equity in a property is easy, when you know how. These five steps help you get prepared and understand the process.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 25 Feb 2026
Everything You Need To Know About The Global Talent Visa

Ready to pursue your dream in the UK? Here is what you need to know about applying for the global talent visa.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 20 Feb 2026
How To Choose The Best Divorce Lawyer When Totally Overwhelmed?

These simple steps help navigate the divorce struggle and find the best divorce lawyer for you. Dive in to know more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 15 Feb 2026
Satisfying The ‘Genuine Relationship’ Element For UK Spouse Visas

To secure a UK spouse visa you must demonstrate a genuine relationship. Here is how to maximise your chances of success. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
FAMILY LAW 4 Feb 2026
Understanding Coercive Control In Relationships And How To Get Support

Coercive control is a silent type of abuse that can leave victims feeling trapped. This is a gentle guide to understanding the early signs.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 28 Jan 2026
Mortgage Tips: 3 Things People Don’t Know About Getting A Mortgage

Knowing these tips about mortgages can support you on your journey from property dream to property purchase. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 22 Jan 2026
UK Visa Guide: 10 Things To Do As Soon As You Move To The UK

Got a UK Visa? Here is an essential checklist to work through to help ensure a smooth and successful start in the UK.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 14 Jan 2026
What Are The Benefits Of ILR (Indefinite Leave To Remain)?

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) is a UK immigration status. Read on to find how you can obtain ILR and what are the benefits of ILR.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 5 Jan 2026
The Single Girls Guide To Getting A Mortgage

Getting a mortgage when you are single is a very similar process to making a joint application. Dive in to know everything.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 29 Dec 2025
What Exactly Is Covered In A Fixed-Fee Property Conveyancing Quote?

Wondering what exactly is included in a fixed-fee property conveyancing quote? Here’s a complete breakdown. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 17 Dec 2025
Everything You Need To Know About The Renters Rights Act 2025

The Renters Rights Act has officially become law. Here is everything you need to know about how it can affect you as a landlord. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 10 Dec 2025
The Things To Check Before Renewing A Commercial Lease

If you are about to renew a commercial lease, this simple guide will ensure you understand your rights are set yourself up on the best terms.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 27 Nov 2025
Everything You Need To Know About Planned UK Immigration Changes

The rules on UK immigration are being given a complete overhaul. Here are the main changes, how they could affect you. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 11 Nov 2025
Gazumping: Can A Seller Change Their Mind?

Found the perfect home and concerned the seller might change their mind? Read on more about gazumping and how it affects you.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 29 Oct 2025
Buyers New Home Ultimate Appliances Checklist

Have a look through our handy buyer’s new home checklist and tick off as many of these as you can before you pick up the keys.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 17 Oct 2025
Busting 3 Big Myths About Bridging Loans

Declan busts some common myths regarding bridging loans. Know how you can successfully finance your dreams. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 9 Oct 2025
Residential Conveyancing Myths Busted: Should You Look Before You Sell

Discover the truth about residential conveyancing. Wondering whether to put your house on the market before you start searching? Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 1 Oct 2025
A Guide To Financial Settlement Remedies In UK Divorces

While some separations are more amicable, we know money spices things up. Here is a guide to divorce financial settlement remedies in the UK.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 25 Sept 2025
Stamp Duty: Your Questions Answered

What is stamp duty? What affects how much you pay? Is there a fee if you miss the deadline? Are you buying a property? Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 23 Sept 2025
Game Over: The 8 Strangest Reasons For Divorce

From voting choices to lack of career support, here are eight strange yet real reasons for divorce. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 11 Sept 2025
Gifted Deposits: Unwrapped A Guide To Gifted Deposits For First Time Buyers

This simple guide unwraps gifted deposits and answers the key questions of many first time buyers for that precious purchase. Dive In.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 20 Aug 2025
Is It Hard For First-Time Buyers To Get A Mortgage?

Freaking out about getting a mortgage? Relax, it’s not as hard as you might think, check out how to set yourself up for success. Dive In.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 15 Aug 2025
Rent Arrears: What To Do If A Tenant Stops Paying The Rent

Here we breakdown the legal procedure to follow in case of rent arrears, when a tenant stops paying the rent. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 8 Aug 2025
A Simple Guide To Taking On A Commercial Lease

We have put together this simple guide to break down the serious stuff of commercial lease and talk you through the process. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 29 Jul 2025
The Renters Rights Bill: Everything You Need To Know

If you are a tenant or landlord in 2025, one piece of legislation you want to know about is The Renters Rights Bill. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
5 min read
CONVEYANCING 23 Jul 2025
What Can You Do If Your Conveyancing Is Taking Tooooo Long?

Read on to find out what to do when you are getting seriously fed up with waiting and how to speed up your conveyancing process.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 17 Jul 2025
Your Go-To Glossary For Conveyancing

Does the word conveyancing make you say, huh?? We understand. So let’s start there. Here's your legal glossary for conveyancing. Dive in.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 11 Jul 2025
Hot Tips For Selling Your Home This Summer

Enjoying the sunshine? As you should be. If you are selling your home this Summer we have some tips to make it even better. More.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 2 Jul 2025
Can You Switch Conveyancer’s During A Property Sale?

Often we get calls from distressed buyers or sellers amid property transaction asking if they can switch their conveyancers. More.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 27 Jun 2025
Landlord Protection: Simple Ways To Protect Yourself As A Landlord

Life as a landlord comes with its perks, however it can be tough. There are a lot of things to worry about like tenancy agreements and rent.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 25 Jun 2025
So, What EXACTLY Does A Conveyancer Do? P.S And How To Avoid Zebra’s

One question we get asked a lot (believe it or not) is do I really need a lawyer or conveyancer to handle my property transaction. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 17 Jun 2025
What Is Joint Ownership Of A Home?

The two ways you can structure a joint purchase are either joint ownership or tenancy in common. Which one you should go for? Read more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 3 Jun 2025
Dear Dad’s : Five Ways To Take Care Of Yourself In Divorce

While there will be many smiles and cups of tea in bed Father's Day can be a very tough time for separated families, especially for Dad’s.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 28 May 2025
What Is A Conveyancing Quote… And Do I Need One?

On our site, with the click of a button you can get a quote for your conveyancing costs. To know exactly how it works dive in.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 23 May 2025
It’s All About The Base.. Is 2025 A Good Time To Remortgage?

Whether or not you choose to remortgage is a personal decision. If you do decide to go for it, make sure you do your research. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 12 May 2025
How Can You Exteeeennnndddd A Lease?

In the UK, lease extension or leasehold is one of the most common types of property ownership, so it is worth getting your head around.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 8 May 2025
Missing Someone? How To Get A UK Family Visitor Visa

A wedding, graduation or special occasion you want them here for or simply need a big old hug, Find out all about the UK Family Visitor Visa.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 30 Apr 2025
Chain Reaction: What Is A Property Chain?!?

Before you get involved in a property chain, this law-tee looks at what it actually is and how it can affect a purchase. Read now.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 24 Apr 2025
What The Heck Is Gazumping?

Gazumping is something that no buyer particularly wants to come across when purchasing a property. Why? Dive in to know more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 15 Apr 2025
Five Reasons Estate Agents & Conveyancers Need Each Other

The relationship between estate agents and conveyancers has not always had the best reputation. But, here we are to bust the myths. Read Now.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 14 Apr 2025
Smart Way To Save When Buying A Home

Buying a home is among the biggest investments we all make. From negotiation to legal savings here are the top ways to save on your purchase.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 7 Apr 2025
To Do List Before Selling Your Home

Your home could sell faster than you expected, especially if you have the best estate agent and property solicitor by your side. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 26 Mar 2025
Top Tips For First Time Buyers in 2025

2025 means a lot of changes for first time buyers and it is worth arming yourself with what’s going on and how it can affect you. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 18 Mar 2025
Renters Rights: What Every Landlord Needs To Know in 2025

The most recent attempt to achieve some equilibrium is the Renters Rights Bill, set to become law in 2025 - the question is has it scored?

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 11 Mar 2025
5 Ways We Are Supporting Landlords to Thrive in 2025

Being a landlord has a lot of perks. As a gift and helping hand to landlords throughout March - we have something special for you. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 7 Mar 2025
Is 2025 A Good Year To Buy A Property?

Will 2025 be a key year for legal changes to the property market? Get an insight from a property lawyer. Read now.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 3 Mar 2025
The Five Steps To Preparing For Divorce

Divorce is a journey and every couple must have their own pace. At our family law firm, once your divorce is official, self-love is vital.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 24 Feb 2025
What Next? The First 5 Questions To Ask Your Lawyer

When you meet your divorce lawyer for the first time, you are likely to be confused and overwhelmed and emotional. Start here.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
FAMILY LAW 24 Feb 2025
These Are The Most Common Reasons For Divorce And They Might Surprise You

Divorce can happen at any point during a marriage be it one year, five years or fifty years. Here we explore the main reasons for divorce.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
FAMILY LAW 10 Feb 2025
Here Is How to Divorce Without Going To Court

Navigating an amicable divorce without going to court is a possibility. However, speaking with a family lawyer is always recommended.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 30 Jan 2025
5 Tips To Increase Your Chances Of A Successful Visa Application From A Top Immigration Lawyer

Essential advice for a successful visa application process. Read on for 5 expert tips from a top immigration lawyer.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 21 Jan 2025
What Do You Do If An Employee’s Visa Is Refused?

Read on to discover why sponsor visas or work visa sponsorships are refused and what to do to get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 17 Jan 2025
For Love Or Visa? How To Get A Spouse A Visa In The UK

If you are living in the UK and would like your partner to join you, a spouse visa application needs to be made. Read on to know how.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 17 Jan 2025
Key Immigration Updates for Business Owners in 2025

To all business owners, ready to chat with an immigration lawyer to stay on top with the key % updates for employing workers in 2025?

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
IMMIGRATION 3 Jan 2025
How To Get A Business Visa For The UK

There are several different types of United Kingdom business visas available, read on to discover how to get business visa for yourself.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 23 Dec 2024
The Top Legal Trends That Could Affect Your Business in 2025

2025 is set to change the legal landscape for businesses with ambitious legal trends. The new legislation aims to regulate the use of AI. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
CONVEYANCING 20 Dec 2024
How Can You Save On Stamp Duty Before The Rates Go Up?

Stamp duty is a government tax that a buyer of a property pays to the government as a lump sum on completion of the purchase. Read more.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
BUSINESS & DISPUTES 26 Nov 2024
A Guide On How To Evict a Tenant Legally (without losing your hair)

Deciding to evict a tenant can be a stressful time. Whether due to rent arrears, wanting to sell, or other reasons, you are likely to want to get it done as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible.

Waterstone Legal
3 min read
FAMILY LAW 26 Nov 2024
The rise and risks of digital divorces

Since 2021 there have been major changes to the way that divorce can be petitioned and applied for in the UK. The ‘no-fault’ clause introduced in April 2022 was the result of intense campaigning and much sought after by couples and many family law professionals.

Waterstone Legal
4 min read
CONVEYANCING 12 Nov 2024
The simple checklist for first-time buyers

Purchasing your first home is hands down one of the most exciting moments in life. That said, as many people will likely let you know, it can be stressful. Being prepared is key to getting into your new home as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Waterstone Legal
2 min read
THE MONDAY BRIEF
One useful article a week. No noise. Plain-English guidance from our solicitors, in your inbox every Monday. Unsubscribe any time.