I have been told that property searches are the main cause of hinderance in Harwell 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 most frequent causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Harwell.

How does conveyancing in Harwell differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Harwell contact us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is finished. This is because new home sellers in Harwell tend to acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Harwell or who has acted in the same development.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Harwell is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Harwell are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Harwell you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Harwell may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

Am I best advised to choose a Harwell conveyancing solicitor based in the area that I am hoping to buy? An old friend can execute the legal work however they are based 200miles away.

The benefit of a local Harwell conveyancing practice is that you can attend the office to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and pester them if necessary. They will also have local knowledge which is a plus. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If you know people who used your friend and the majority were happy that must surpass using an unknown Harwell conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being based in the area.

Being a tenant I am liable for a service charge for my property in Harwell. As a result of personal circumstances I fell behind with payments. The managing agents agreed a clearance schedule but there is still around £3000 currently due.

I now wish to dispose of the property and I am worried this will jeopardize the sale if I have to settle the amount due now. Do I have to settle before - is this achievable?

You should speak with the conveyancer dealing with your Harwell conveyancing but one option may be to arrange for the debt to be attributed to the purchasers. The purchase price they pay would be adjusted to reflect the amount of debt they take on. They could then pay the fees once they are the owners.