Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning
Harold Benjamin’s Estate Planning experts work with private clients and their families to ensure that their assets are passed on in the most secure and tax efficient way possible. Our team have the expertise to understand the full range of an individual’s assets, whatever form they take, and then use their skills and knowledge to structure your arrangements so your chosen beneficiaries receive their inheritance in the most advantageous way possible.
Our solicitors are exceptionally sensitive to the needs of our clients and provide friendly, professional and individual attention in their areas of expertise including:
- Wills
- Codicils
- Inheritance Tax planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced directives
- Declarations of Trust
- Trusts
Private Client team
Arti Thakrar
Legal Director, Private Client
Davina Puran
Solicitor, Private Client
Geoff Dennis
Partner & Head of Private Client
Nikita Mayani
Associate Solicitor, Private Client
Private Client pocket guide
Recent case studies
Building Safety Act
Advising a commercial tenant on the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in a mixed-use building, including detailed analysis of liabilities and protections arising under the Building Safety Act 2022. Advising purchasers and lenders on Building Safety Act compliance, remediation obligations and the impact of building safety risks on commercial property transactions.
Pre-Letting of New Build Commercial Unit to Blue-Chip Occupier
Acting for a developer in connection with the pre-letting of a new-build commercial unit to a national blue-chip occupier. The transaction involved negotiating a conditional agreement for lease linked to practical completion of the development and securing a long-term occupational commitment prior to completion of the scheme.
Disposal of High-Value Residential Property
Acted on the sale of a residential property for just under £8 million, managing a complex transaction involving overseas purchasers, strict exchange deadlines and multiple stakeholder interests.
Acquisition of £11.6 Million Retail Park
Advised a property investment company on the acquisition of a multi-let retail park valued at approximately £11.6 million. The transaction involved extensive due diligence across multiple occupational leases, title investigations, financing arrangements and asset management considerations.
Advising existing client on the purchase of 52 Princes Gate, London, SW7 2PG and lease back to Imperial College
The firm acted for a long-standing investor client on the £12.5 million acquisition of a freehold listed property in central London from Imperial College London, with Savills acting as selling agents. The team advised throughout a complex tender process, carried out extensive due diligence, and resolved issues relating to acquired rights and adverse possession. Despite the transaction’s value and complexity, it was completed within a demanding timetable, with exchange and completion taking place simultaneously. A leaseback to Imperial College was secured, generating annual rental income of £516,000 and delivering a successful long-term investment for the client.
Advising on the acquisition by way of pre-letting of a prime Central London flagship store for a luxury brand
We acted for a luxury brand in securing a new-build agreement for lease of a flagship 30,000 sq. ft. retail store on Bond Street. The transaction was completed on an accelerated timetable, reaching exchange within just seven days following the negotiation of key documents and due diligence on approximately 400 legal documents. Our role included coordinating multiple parties and professional advisers, conducting risk analysis and due diligence, negotiating transaction documents, and providing strategic legal advice. The matter involved a complex, high-value structure, tight deadlines, and cross-border elements. The successful outcome secured a rare opportunity for our client to occupy a prime Central London flagship store despite strong competition from rival luxury brands.
Advising on the Administration of an Insolvent Estate.
This was an unusual estate administration where liabilities exceeded assets, leaving no distribution available to beneficiaries. The entire estate was therefore administered for the benefit of creditors, requiring the application of insolvency principles under the Insolvency Act 1986. The firm effectively acted in a role similar to an insolvency practitioner, reviewing and prioritising claims from banks, HMRC, and family members to ensure correct legal ordering of payments. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework.
Acting for pub landlord in High Court appeal against refusal of opposition to new lease on redevelopment grounds
The landlord opposed a tenant’s request for a new lease of pub premises under ground (f) of section 30(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, relying on an intention to redevelop the property into residential flats and mews houses. To succeed, the landlord had to show that redevelopment works would begin within a reasonable time after termination of the tenancy. However, the proposed works were delayed by 10–14 months due to the need for site access to carry out tests for a planning application, which the tenant had refused. The trial judge initially considered this delay reasonable. On appeal, the High Court held that the landlord had not demonstrated a sufficiently prompt intention to commence works, finding 10–14 months too long. The case provides guidance that redevelopment opposition is difficult where further steps, such as planning permission, remain outstanding.
Insights
Lasting Powers of Attorney – A Guide to an Attorney’s Duties
Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney
7 Mar 2025
Why Choosing a Regulated Legal Practice is Essential for Your Peace of Mind
Estate Planning, Private Clients
24 Sep 2024
Leasehold Reform is here (sort of) – the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
Real Estate, Residential Property
6 Jun 2024
Top 5 things to know about wills
Private Clients, Wills, Trusts and Probate
20 Oct 2023
Harold Benjamin’s Legal Director on why his new role is like ‘Coming Home’
Private Clients
12 Sep 2023
Embedding Sustainable and Eco-friendly Design in Residential Property Development.
Construction, Development and Planning, Residential Property
5 Sep 2023
Illegal cannabis farming by tenants – A growing problem for landlords
Real Estate, Residential Property
19 Jul 2023
83 is the magic number
Real Estate, Residential Property
13 Jul 2023
Intestacy: the common misconceptions
Estate Planning, Private Clients, Uncategorized
6 Apr 2023
Why do I need a solicitor to re-mortgage my home?
Real Estate, Residential Property
28 Feb 2023
