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

Hanley conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have an obligation 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 will need to produce two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Evidence of the origin of funds is also required in accordance with the money laundering statutes as lawyers are mandated to investigate that the funds you are utilising to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase monies if you are a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as employment savings) as opposed to the proceeds of criminal behaviour.

I know that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I need this when purchasing a residence in Hanley? or I am told that there is historic law that could mean that house owners residing in a parish church boundary may be liable to contribute towards maintenance towards the chancel within the church. Is this suitable for conveyancing in Hanley?

Unless a previous acquisition of the house completed after 12 October 2013 you can take it that solicitors carrying out conveyancing in Hanley to remain recommending a chancel search and or chancel repair liability insurance.

five months have gone by since my purchase conveyancing in Hanley took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £150,000 when infact I paid £180,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the property from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

I'm purchasing a new build house in Hanley with a loan from Santander. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of additionals instead. The sale representative suggested that I not reveal to my solicitor about this deal as it may affect my mortgage with the bank. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Should I instruct a Hanley conveyancing solicitor based in the location that I am purchasing? An old friend can deal with the legal work but they are based 300kilometers away.

The primary upside of using a high street Hanley conveyancing firm is that you can pop in to execute documents, present your identification documents and apply pressure on them if necessary. Having local Hanley know how is a bonus. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have used your friend and they were happy that should trump using an unfamiliar Hanley conveyancing lawyer just because they are Hanley based.