Glossary

ABS

This is an abbreviation for Alternative Business Structures.  This refers to some new legislation which will allow other professionals to enter into the legal market.

Absolute Title

Guaranteed title to the ownership of a property or lease.  You can have Absolute title to both freehold and leasehold properties.

Adverse Possession

Transfer of ownership by adverse possession is when a someone takes over the ownership of the property without buying or paying for it.  This is when a someone is given a property once they have occupied a property for a certain period of time (as set out by the Land Registration Rules).  An example of this is Squatters Rights.

Agricultural Holding

This is a piece of land on which any agricultural business takes place such as a farm.

Air Quality Management Strategy

A designation made by a local authority where an assessment of air quality results in the need to devise an action plan to improve the quality of air.

Amenity Green-Space

Open Land, often landscaped, that makes a positive contribution to the appearance of an area or improves the quality of the lives of people living or working locally.

Amenity Space

A positive element (or elements) that contribute to the overall character or enjoyment of an area.

Ancient Woodland

Woodland that is believed to have existed from at least medieval times.

Anti-Money Laundering

This is a term mainly used in the financial and legal industries to describe the legal controls that require financial institutions and other regulated entities to prevent or report money laundering activities.  It is commonly abbreviated to AML.  Conveyancing Data Services Ltd offer a very comprehensive AML solution.  If you would like to learn more about this service please send us an enquiry.

Archaeological Priority Area / Ancient Monuments

Areas which are known to be of archaeological importance because of past finds, excavations or historical interest.

Architect Certificate

This is a certificate issued by the Architect which confirms that a property has been built to the specification that they have detailed in their original plans.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

An area with Statutory National Landscape designation, the primary purpose of which is to conserve and enhance natural beauty.

Article 4 Direction

Direction removing some or all permitted development rights, for example within a conservation area or curtilage of a listed building. This is issued by the local planning authority.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy

When renting a property, in the majority of cases you will have assured shorthold tenancy.  It is the standard type of tenancy used in England & Wales.