My fiancee and I are purchasing our first property. Our lawyer has texted usto see if we would like to take out additional conveyancing searches. As novices we are clueless as to what's appropriate for conveyancing in Greater Manchester

The extent of Greater Manchester conveyancing searches depends primarily on the property, the location, the likelihood of any of these risks, your familiarity of the area and risks, your overall appetite to risk. What is important is that you adequately comprehend what information each search could give you. You may then make a decision if you consider that you need that information. If in doubt, ask the property lawyer to recommend.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Greater Manchester? Why is this being asked of me?

Greater Manchester conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers accross the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to verify the ID of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

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

Confirmation of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as conveyancers are required to investigate that the monies you are using to purchase a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase amount if you are a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as an inheritance) and is not the product of illegitimate activity.

I have recentlybecome aware that Stirling Law have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Greater Manchester for a purchase of a freehold house 9 months ago. How can I be sure that my home is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?

The quickest way to check if the premises is in your name, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Greater Manchester conveyancing specialists.

My step-father has suggested that I instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Greater Manchester. Should I find my own conveyancer?

There are no two ways about it the best way to find a conveyancing practitioner is to seek feedback from friends or family who have previously instructed the solicitor you're contemplating using.

Why do Greater Manchester conveyancing fees are higher for leasehold and freehold properties?

When purchasing a leasehold property there is more work involved purely due to the fact that usually there are further parties involved in the form of the freeholder and/or Management Agents. As part of a lawyers enquiries they will check that all ground rent and service charges are paid up to date amongst other general leasehold matters. For this reason, the Sellers lawyers usually have to refer to the freeholder or Managing Agent for their replies to our questions. This may be time consuming and beyond the lawyers control