Legal aid changes `could lead to rise in repossessions`
Released on = May 25, 2007, 1:12 am
Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows
Industry = Real Estate
Press Release Summary = Changes to the legal aid system proposed by the government could lead to a number of Britons having their homes repossessed, it has been claimed.
Press Release Body = According to Greenwich Housing Rights, a charity which specialises in providing free legal advice to people with housing problems, solicitors will soon be reluctant to take on long-term legal aid cases because of new government legislation - which could lead to a number of homeowners being forced from their homes.
From October, only a standard fee will be paid to legal advisers by the government, no matter how long the case lasts.
\"Our fear is there will be no reason for lawyers to take on difficult cases if they won\'t be paid for them,\" Matt Ventrella, manager of Greenwich Housing Rights, explained in newshopper.
\"More people will risk losing their homes if they cannot get legal help.
\"We take on a lot of legal housing emergencies, both at court and in our office, but there\'s no way we could help everyone if more solicitors drop out of legal aid.\"
To avoid repossession, homeowners in financial trouble could consider selling their properties to National Homebuyers and subsequently renting them back to free up much-needed capital. The fast purchase property leader has been receiving thousands of enquiries from people facing repossession.
Director Chris Newman says: \"With repossessions at an all-time high because of interest rate rises, the impact of the law change will be devastating for some, who are not in a position to seek help when faced with financial difficulty.
\"Our sell and rent back solution is designed to help people release equity in their home, while remaining living there as a tenant.\"
National Homebuyers\' sell and rent back product allows the vendor to sell their home for up to full market value and rent back on an assured short-hold tenancy agreement. Further information is available at www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk/financialdifficulties.html or by calling 0870 979 8118.
Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk
Contact Details = Sterling House 20 Victoria Way Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9NF 0870 979 8118 Fax: 01444 257333 info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk