# 35. SQE Land Law Topics: What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you are preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Property Law and Land Law, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the topics that will be covered. In this blog post, we will discuss 35 key Land Law topics that you can expect to encounter in the exam, and offer some tips on how to prepare effectively.
Before we dive into the specific topics, it’s worth noting that the SQE is designed to assess your practical legal skills and knowledge. It tests your ability to apply the law to real-life scenarios, rather than simply regurgitating legal principles. Therefore, when preparing for the exam, it’s important to focus on understanding the underlying concepts and principles, as well as developing your problem-solving skills.
Now, let’s explore the 35 SQE Land Law topics and how to effectively prepare for them:
1. Freehold and Leasehold Estates: Understand the differences between these two types of ownership, including their rights and responsibilities.
2. Registered and Unregistered Land: Familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of registered and unregistered land, and the implications for conveyancing.
3. Co-ownership: Learn about the different forms of co-ownership, such as joint tenancy and tenancy in common, and how they affect the rights and obligations of co-owners.
4. Overreaching: Understand the concept of overreaching, which occurs when certain interests in land are transferred to the proceeds of sale rather than the land itself.
5. Adverse Possession: Explore the requirements and principles of adverse possession, including the necessary elements to establish a claim.
6. Easements: Gain a solid understanding of easements, including their creation, termination, and the rights and obligations of the dominant and servient owners.
7. Covenants: Learn about the different types of covenants, such as positive and restrictive covenants, and the remedies available for breaching them.
8. Mortgages: Understand the key principles of mortgages, including the rights and obligations of the mortgagor and mortgagee, as well as the process of foreclosure.
9. Licenses: Differentiate between licenses and leases, and understand the legal implications of granting and revoking a license.
10. Landlord and Tenant: Explore the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants, including the termination of tenancies and the landlord’s right to forfeit.
11. Leasehold Covenants: Familiarize yourself with the different types of leasehold covenants, and the remedies available for their breach.
12. Rent Review: Learn about rent review provisions in leases, and the methods used to determine the new rent payable.
13. Enfranchisement: Understand the concept of enfranchisement, which allows leaseholders to buy the freehold or extend their lease.
14. Leasehold Extensions: Explore the requirements and procedures for extending leaseholds, including the implications for residential and commercial properties.
15. Trusts of Land: Gain a solid understanding of trusts of land, including the rights and obligations of the trustees and beneficiaries.
16. Restrictive Covenants: Learn about restrictive covenants and how they can impact the use and development of land.
17. Easements of Necessity: Understand the legal requirements for establishing an easement of necessity, which is created when there is no other means of access to a property.
18. Light and Air: Learn about the rights to light and air and the remedies available for their interference.
19. Public Rights of Way: Familiarize yourself with the concept of public rights of way and the limitations on their use.
20. Watercourse Rights: Understand the rights and responsibilities associated with watercourses, such as rivers and streams.
21. Restrictive Covenants in Leases: Explore the enforceability of restrictive covenants in leases and the remedies available for their breach.
22. Rentcharges: Learn about rentcharges, which are annual payments charged on certain properties, and the regulations surrounding them.
23. Manor and Lordship Rights: Understand the historical concept of manor and lordship rights and their impact on land ownership.
24. Fixed and Floating Charges: Familiarize yourself with the differences between fixed and floating charges in the context of secured lending.
25. Statutory Rights of Occupation: Learn about the statutory rights of occupation granted to certain individuals, such as protected and statutory tenants.
26. Housing Disrepair: Understand the legal obligations of landlords to ensure that rented properties are maintained in a good state of repair.
27. Leasehold Valuation Tribunal: Explore the jurisdiction and powers of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal in resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.
28. Rights of First Refusal: Learn about the rights of first refusal for tenants in relation to the sale of certain properties.
29. Insurance of Leasehold Properties: Understand the insurance obligations of landlords and tenants in leasehold properties.
30. Party Wall Agreements: Explore the requirements and implications of party wall agreements, which govern the construction of walls shared by neighboring properties.
31. Rights to Buy: Familiarize yourself with the rights of tenants to buy their rented properties under legislation such as the Housing Act.
32. Leasehold Enfranchisement for Flats: Learn about leasehold enfranchisement schemes specifically designed for flat owners.
33. Rent Repayment Orders: Understand the circumstances in which tenants can apply for rent repayment orders in cases of landlord non-compliance.
34. Agricultural Tenancies: Explore the legal framework governing agricultural tenancies, including the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
35. Introduction to Land Registration: Gain a basic understanding of land registration, including its purpose and benefits.
To prepare for the SQE Land Law topics, consider enrolling in SQE 1 Preparation Courses and SQE 2 Preparation Courses. These courses provide comprehensive training on the core concepts and practical applications of Property Law and Land Law.
In addition, it’s crucial to practice applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Take advantage of resources like SQE 1 Practice Exam Questions and SQE 1 Practice Mocks FLK1 FLK2 to improve your problem-solving skills and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
Remember, the SQE is not just about memorizing information; it’s about understanding and applying the law effectively. By developing a strong foundation of knowledge, honing your problem-solving skills, and practicing under exam conditions, you will be well-prepared for the Land Law topics in the SQE.
To stay up to date with the latest information regarding the SQE and SRA exam dates, visit the SRA SQE Exam Dates page on our website.
Good luck with your preparation, and we hope you find this comprehensive guide to the SQE Land Law topics helpful!