Five things londoners need to sort out legally before moving to the Cotswolds

Dreaming of swapping your cramped Tube commute for the sweet smell of country air? You are not alone! Leaving London for honey-colored stone cottages is exciting. 

But before you trade city lights for starry nights, you need to tie up your legal loose ends. Speaking with lawyers in Cheltenham, Bath, Bristol, or wherever you are moving, can help ensure your countryside dream does not become a nightmare.

As a Londoner, if you’re unsure what exactly you need to sort out first, no need to look elsewhere. Listed below are the five things to be sorted out. 

1. Untangle listed building laws

Many of the prettiest Cotswold homes are “listed”. This means strict laws protect their history. You cannot simply swap an old wooden window for a shiny new UPVC one. 

You need special permission. Break these rules, and you could face steep fines or a court order to fix it. Feel free to ask the local council about the home’s listing status before you make a purchase. 

2. Check for public footpaths

 

In London, a path usually leads to someone’s private garden or a main road. In the country, ancient public “rights of way” might cut straight across your land or through your backyard. 

Walkers and horseback riders both can legally use these paths. Being one of them, review the land registry documents carefully, so you know exactly where others are legally allowed to walk. 

3. Investigate shared driveways and boundaries

Country lanes can be tricky. Bear in mind, your dream driveway might actually be shared with a neighbour, or the hedge on your side of the road might legally belong to the village farm. 

It’s more than essential to get a clear property survey. You also need to confirm exactly who is responsible for repairing shared driveways and fences. 

4. Update your employment contracts

The way you work is changing. If you plan to keep your London job but work from home in the Cotswolds, you must check your employment contract. 

Some jobs require you to live within a specific distance of the city. Make sure your boss agrees to your new remote location in writing.

5. Review your pet and boundary laws

City dogs mostly stay on short leashes in parks. Country dogs, however, can face new hazards. Local farmers have the legal right to shoot dogs that worry or attack their livestock. 

You must check your property boundaries to ensure your fences are secure. This keeps your pets safe and prevents them from wandering onto farmlands.

The bottom line 

Moving to the Cotswolds is an amazing adventure, provided your paperwork is flawless! Get these legal details sorted early so you can spend your weekends relaxing at a country pub rather than buried in paperwork. 

The editorial unit

Disclaimer: This blog post is only for educational/informational purposes and doesn’t constitute professional advice. While moving to the Cotswolds, if you feel anything is off legally, feel free to seek guidance and support from a legal professional.