My bid for a property was accepted at auction in Blackheath. Conveyancing is necessary. What is next?

Given that you have now to all intents and purposes signed on the dotted line you will need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor soon as you will have a fast approaching a fixed date to complete the conveyancing. All auction property will have a corresponding legal set of papers. This should include the copy title deeds, local authority and drainage searches. In the case of leasehold property the auction pack should provide a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and other conveyancing paperwork specific to leasehold premises. You should hand this to the conveyancer instructed by you as soon as possible. Do make sure that you have funds in order to complete the transaction on the set completion date.

A colleague informed me that in purchasing a property in Blackheath there could be various restrictions affecting the ability to carry out external changes to the property. Is this right?

We are aware of a number of properties in Blackheath which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to external changes. Part of the conveyancing in Blackheath should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

How can we tell if a Blackheath conveyancing solicitor on the panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Blackheath seeking recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advise that you speak with the lawyer conducting your transaction.

I used Stirling Law several years past for my conveyancing in Blackheath. I now require my file however the law firm has closed. What do I do?

Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Blackheath of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Blackheath. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Blackheath

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

Am I right to be wary about brokers that I am dealing with are suggesting an internet conveyancing firm rather than a local Blackheath conveyancing company?

As with many professional services, often input from family and friends can be worth their weight in gold. But there are lots of players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies might all recommend conveyancers to use. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there behind the scenes commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are free to select your own lawyer. However, bear in mind that the majority of lenders specify a panel list of conveyancers you are obliged to use for the mortgage related work in your conveyancing.

I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Blackheath. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Blackheath are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Blackheath in which case you should be shopping around for a Blackheath conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will report to you on the legal implications.