UK property law defines rights and obligations of parties in different property related contracts such as agricultural tenancy, general rental, business leases, easements and mortgages. In addition, the property laws in UK also identified common keep properties, co-ownerships, estoppels, consent, human rights, trespassing, property related nuisance and various types of assets.

Formerly, laws relating to agricultural tenancy in the UK were framed under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. In 1995, the Agricultural Tenancies Act was passed adding more laws to existing regulations. Regulatory Reforms again restructured these in 2006.

Disputes relating to properties are often relating to the boundaries and property ownership. The Land Registration Act of 2003 was passed to resolve related disputes. This act became applicable in October of 2003. It contained new provisions on “adverse possession”, registration of properties, and title.

These Acts and reforms contain provisions relating to business leases, license, occupation, period of occupation, subletting of any residential property or properties by the business, lease terms, lease renewal, etc. The Landlord and Tenant Act, and The Landlord and Tenant (covenants) Act also contain provisions relating to general leases, discrimination, estoppels, distress, forfeiture, insolvency, indemnity, notices, nuisance, breach, disrepair, rent, unlawful eviction, termination of tenancy, service charges, subletting, sharing of occupation, sharing of possession, restraint on trade, and re-entry rights, in so far as they relate to lease of any property, including residential property.

These acts also contain provisions related to long leases. The Commonhold and leasehold Reform Act, of 2002 was followed by a reform act in 2003. As of now, Commonhold Regulations 2004 are applicable on commonhold properties in the UK. There are Commonhold (Land Registration) Rules as well. Issues arising out of co-ownership of properties, and relevant estoppels are governed by the Trusts of Land Act of 1996.

The Housing Act, 2004 contains several housing related provisions, such as provisions relating to condition of housing, licensing laws for multiple occupation, and selective licensing in case of residential houses. Property laws in UK related to mortgages are covered under the Consumer Credit Act, 1974 and 2006. These contain provisions relating to interest, forgery, money claims, mortgage indemnity, mortgage possession, sale and lease back contracts, undue influence, and unfair terms of mortgage.

Eco building consultants ‘Home grown Home’ have designed and built a cabin using bales of straw. Located in East Yorkshire, the Straw Bale cabin has been constructed using 96 full and 46 half bales of wheat straw sourced from local farms. The bales themselves bear the weight of the roof, removing the need for a timber frame. Aside from straw, other renewable materials used include sheep’s’ wool as wall insulation and paints and oils made from plant extracts. A range of recycled materials have also been put to good use including an old barn door for beams in the lounge, reclaimed railway sleepers and even pipes from the old milking parlor.

Cliveden Village in Taplow, Buckinghamshire is a development of properties built on a prestigious National Trust estate. All 134 houses and apartments have been designed to protect the environment and maintain high ecological standards. All properties have been built from rated materials such as FSC sourced timber and recycled materials from the original brown field site. Inside the homes, the use of PVC has been voided by choosing low volatile organic chemical fittings and finishes. Other eco-friendly features include solar hot water and mechanical heat recovery systems, as well as energy efficient lighting and insulation. Water use across the estate is reduced through the use of rainwater collection and low volume fittings on taps and toilets.

Dunescape is a three floor eco-property in Camber Sands, Rye. Built in 007, the environmentally-conscious house is let to visitors as a contemporary holiday home. A grass roof soaks up rainwater and solar power provides hot water in the summer. Geothermal heat from the ground insulates the house in the winter months, ensuring guests keep warm after bracing walks on the nearby beach. Finishing touches in the property include tables made from reclaimed timber, phosphate-free natural washing up liquid, vegan toiletries and organic cotton towels.

BedZED is a carbon neutral community in Sutton, South London. Completed in 2002, the housing development comprises a total of 99 homes each specifically designed to support a sustainable lifestyle. An innovative joint venture between the Peabody Trust and environmental charity arranging, the project has won a raft of awards for its cutting edge design and impressive environmental performance. Recent figures show that BedZED residents use an average of 81% less energy on heating and 8% less water than the local average.

Ecostessey Park is a development of 22 town houses on the banks of the river Tud in Norwich. Each property is built to a demanding ecological specification and is zero carbon rated. A number of environmentally-friendly features are included as standard in each home, such as photovoltaic solar panels which allow residents to sell energy back to the National Grid. Other energy efficient features include low energy lighting and a thermostatic bath to control water temperatures.