What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Chase Cross? What am I being asked for?

Chase Cross conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property practitioners throughout the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client with a view to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to provide two forms of certified identification; proof of ID (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (typically a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Confirmation of the origin of monies is also necessary in accordance with the money laundering regulations as conveyancers are duty bound to check that the funds you are using to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase amount where you are a cash purchaser) has come from an acceptable source (such as employment savings) and is not the product of illegitimate behaviour.

My aunt passed away 10 months ago and as sole heir and executor I was left the property in Chase Cross. The house had a small mortgage remaining of approximately £8000. I want to transfer the title deeds into my name whilst I re-mortgage to , pay off the mortgage. Is this allowed?

Given you plan to re-mortgage then will insist on your using a conveyancer on the conveyancing panel. Here is link to the Land Registry online guidance around what to do when a property owner dies. This will help you to understand the registration process behind changing the details re the registered title. in your case it would appear that you are effectively purchasing the property from the estate. Your conveyancing panel solicitor pays the new mortgage money into the estate, the estate pays off the old mortgage, the charge is released and you become the owner and the mortgage is registered as a charge at the Land Registry.

Will my solicitor be raising enquiries regarding flooding during the conveyancing in Chase Cross.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for solicitors dealing with homes in Chase Cross. There are those who purchase a house in Chase Cross, fully expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical damage, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or sell the property. Steps can be carried out during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the purchaser.

Lawyers are not qualified to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a numerous searches that may be undertaken by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better understanding of the risks in Chase Cross. The standard property information forms sent to a buyer’s solicitor (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) incorporates a usual question of the vendor to find out if the property has suffered from flooding. If the premises has been flooded in past and is not notified by the owner, then a buyer may bring a compensation claim as a result of such an incorrect reply. The buyer’s lawyers will also order an environmental search. This will indicate whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, further investigations should be initiated.

I am looking for a flat up to £305k and found one round the corner in Chase Cross I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, however it's only got 49 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Chase Cross suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan that many years may be problematic. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of twenty four months you may request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

Is planning permission needed to split a house into two flats in Chase Cross? This has taken place to a house next door to my home in Chase Cross and was not aware of it happening until after the works were finished.

Planning Permission yes. Building Regulations yes.