I require conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (6 years built) in Erith. The vast majority the appartments have already been disposed of. Is it strictly necessary to order neighbourhood searches for my conveyancing in Erith?

You would be taking a significant risk in not carrying out Erith conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would seriously advise in no uncertain terms that your conveyancer conducts them. If accelerating the process and driving down costs are top of your concerns you should consider with your solicitor about the option of search insurance

I have been told by my solicitor that missing deeds insurance is needed on my purchase. What is the level of cover for Erith conveyancing?

The appropriate level of missing deeds indemnity insurance should be dictated by who who your lender is. It would differ for example between Lloyds TSB Bank and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Conveyancing lawyers as opposed to borrowers take out such policies.

I am the single recipient of my late mum's estate with all property in now in my sole name, including the my former home in Erith. The Erith property was put into my name in November. I plan to dispose of the property. I do know about the Mortgage Lenders six month 'rule', which means that my proprietorship will be treated the same way as if I'd bought the property in November. Will no one buy the property for half a year?

The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ handbook obliges conveyancers to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." Technically you may be affected by that. Some lenders would take a pragmatic view as this requirement is principally there to pick up on the purchase and immediately sell or the quick reselling of property.

How can we know in advance if a Erith conveyancing solicitor on the Skipton panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Erith getting 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 which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your transaction.

Various web forums that I have frequented warn that are the main reason for stalling in Erith conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) released conclusions of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the common causes of hindrances during the legal transfer of property. Searches are unlikely to be the root cause of slowing down conveyancing in Erith.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £235,500 and found one round the corner in Erith I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it only has 52 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Erith in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term may be problematic. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you can ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

Why do I have to provide my conveyancer with a list of items of ID ahead of starting selling or purchasing a property in Erith?

Erith solicitors are required by the Law Society, SRA, HMLR and current AML Regulations to certify that the have verified the identity of their clients. It is also sometimes a condition of your mortgage offer. In addition they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to Land Tax and need to have details such as your full names, national insurance number and DOB.