Chris Fick & Associates

LOST VIEWS AND RISING DAMP: LESSONS FOR HOME BUYERS

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) Here’s the story of yet another bitter dispute between neighbours over the loss of a treasured view.  The setting this time is a group housing development which was specifically designed to give each and every house views […]

HOUSES: TRANSFER TRUMPS INTENTION

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward” (Vernon Law) Never assume that you have any rights to a property just because the owner says that he/she intends to give you ownership, even if a sale agreement is signed. Make sure that you actually do take ownership via registration […]

HOUSES, COHABITATION, CO-OWNERSHIP, AND THE DANGER OF DISPUTE

“Communio est mater rixarum” (Roman law maxim meaning “Co-ownership is the mother of disputes”) A recent High Court case highlights once again the dangers of cohabiting without entering into a formal cohabitation agreement, particularly when substantial assets are acquired jointly. Things fall apart After living as a couple for 16 years, the parties – let’s […]