My partner and I are approaching an exchange on a flat in Flint and my parents have sent the ten percent deposit to my property lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not arrived from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I advised the bank about my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
Your property lawyer is duty bound to check with lender to ensure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. The solicitor can only disclose this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to attend the offices of the solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Flint so that I can attend their offices if required.
As opposed to 12 years ago, almost all mortgage companies no longer require their conveyancing panel lawyer to witness the borrowers signature. It will still be necessary for you to provide ID documents and there are still distinct benefits to instructing a local solicitor, in your situation a conveyancing solicitor in Flint.
A friend recommended that if I am purchasing in Flint I should ask my conveyancer to execute a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?
This is a search is usually included in the estimate for your Flint conveyancing searches. It is not a small document of about 40 pages, listing and detailing important information about Flint around the property and the people living there. It incorporates an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the local Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average Property Price, Crime details, Flint Education with maps and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful information concerning Flint.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Flint prior to appointing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. My surveyor has said that some lenders will not grant a mortgage on such a house.
It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different instructions from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can check with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Flint. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Flint especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Flint.
Should I be concerned that third parties that I am dealing with are recommending a national conveyancing firm rather than a local Flint conveyancing firm?
As with many service providers, often input from connections can be worth their weight in gold. Yet there are numerous players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and banks may recommend conveyancers to select. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there exists a commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are at liberty to choose your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that the majority of banks operate an approved list of conveyancers you are obliged to use for the lender related work in your house move.