Will lawyers ask for money up-front for conveyancing in Bridgwater?

If you are buying a property in Bridgwater your solicitor will request that you place them with funds to cover the search fees. This will be the total of the cost of the conveyancing searches. If any deposit is as part of the purchase price then this will be required shortly before contracts are exchanged. Any further balance that is needed should be sent to your lawyer shortly before completion.

I happen to be the only recipient of my late father’s will with all property in now in my sole name, including the house in Bridgwater. Conveyancing formalities meant that the Land Registry date was in October. I want to move. I do know about the CML six month 'rule', which means that my property ownership could be considered the same way as if I'd bought the house in October. Is the property unsalable for six months?

The CML handbook requires solicitors to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you may be affected by that. many mortgage companies would take a sensible view as this requirement is primarily there to identify the purchase and immediately sell or the flipping of properties.

Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Kent Reliance. Bridgwater conveyancing lawyers were chosen. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Kent Reliance?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Kent Reliance completed the survey? Have you informed Kent Reliance as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

After weeks of negotiation I have agreed a price on a house in Bridgwater. My mortgage broker recommended their conveyancers. I paid an advanced payment of £150. A couple of days later, the conveyancer called me sheepishly admitting that they were not on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?

You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Nationwide panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

The deeds to my house are lost. The conveyancers who handled the conveyancing in Bridgwater 4 years ago have long since closed. What do I do?

In today’s world there are duplicates made of almost everything, and your conveyancer will be aware exactly where to locate all the relevant documentation so you may purchase or sell your property without a hitch. If copies are not available, your conveyancer can arrange cover in the form of insurance or indemnities protecting you against future claims on the premises.

I've found a house that seems to be perfect, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Bridgwater. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Bridgwater are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Bridgwater so you should seriously consider looking for a Bridgwater conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.

Bridgwater Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Are any of leasehold owners in dispute over their service charge liability? On the whole the cost for major works are not included within service charges, although there some managing agents in Bridgwater ask leasehold owners to pay into a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance. Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?

Is there a distinction between surveying and conveyancing in Bridgwater?

Conveyancing - in Bridgwater or elsewhere - is the process of legally transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It involves the investigation of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re buying and will help you discover the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you a powerful reason for negotiating the buying price down or asking the seller to remedy the problems prior to you complete your move.