Competition Law and Land Agreements

20th April 2011

Competition Law and Land Agreements

From the 6^th April 2011 all Land Agreements became subject to Competition Law. Until then they were excluded from UK Competition Law and the prohibition on anti-competitive agreements.

Land Agreements are agreements between businesses which create, alter, transfer or terminate an interest in land. One party to the agreement may seek to impose restrictions on the way in which land may be used or how a right over land may be exercised.

An example of a land agreement which would fall foul of competition law would be, for instance, where two competitors in a particular industry seek to restrict the use of land with a view to restricting competition from other competitors in the same industry.

However not all such Land Agreements will offend the law and many will be able to claim an exemption especially where the benefits of the agreement outweigh its negative aspects

Also some land agreements will remain unaffected. For instance covenants relating to the payment of service charges; restrictions imposed on a lessee regarding alterations, repairs, obstructions to the premises, applications for planning permission, advertisements or hours of use and provisions which relate to the use of premises.

If the law in this area is breached however the consequences include, amongst other things financial penalties and director disqualification orders

If you need further advice on this subject please contact James Turner on 01775 722261 or james.turner@maplessolicitors.com.

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

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Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

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James Turner BA

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Daven Naghen LLB

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Faye Blair LLB

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Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.

Competition Law and Land Agreements