We are buying a property and require a conveyancing solicitor in Hebburn who is on the Nationwide approved panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a solicitor?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Nationwide . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Hebburn.

Do I find a Licenced Conveyancer or Solicitor for conveyancing in Hebburn?

Two types of professional can carry out conveyancing in Hebburn namely CLC regulated conveyancers or solicitors. The two can provide conveyancing services that you need to complete the sale or purchase of property. Both are obliged to carry out Hebburn conveyancing to the same quality and guidelines so you can be sure that your conveyancing will be properly carried out and that all necessary procedures will be accurately taken.

We were going to get a OIP from Lloyds this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Lloyds recommend any Hebburn solicitors on the Lloyds conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

You will need to appoint Hebburn solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Lloyds conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Lloyds through the process.

After what feels like an age I have had an offer on an apartment in Hebburn agreed to, but there is a chain. The owners have put an offer on a property, however it’s not yet agreed to, and are looking at other properties in the pipeline. I have instructed a bricks and mortar conveyancing solicitor in Hebburn. What do I do now? At what stage do I apply for the mortgage with HSBC?

It is understandable to have anxieties where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket too early (mortgage application is in the region of one thousand pounds, then valuation, Hebburn conveyancing search fees, etc). The first thing to do is ensure that your lawyer is on the HSBC approved list. As to the next phase this very much dictated by the specifics of your case, attraction to this property and on the state of the market. During a rising market many buyers will apply for a home loan with HSBC and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they ask their property lawyer to proceed with searches.

I am close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our property in Hebburn and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built on contaminated land. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers instructed a web based conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Hebburn. We have lived in Hebburn for three years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to obtain confirmation need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing lawyer currently acting for you. What do they say? You need to check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £235,500 and identified one close by in Hebburn I like with amenity areas and station in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 61 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Hebburn for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will be problematic. Discount the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months you may request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

My wife and I purchased a leasehold house in Hebburn. Conveyancing and HSBC Bank mortgage went though with no issue. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1991. The conveyancing solicitor in Hebburn who acted for me is not around. Do I pay?

First make enquiries of the Land Registry to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is indeed the new freeholder. It is not necessary to instruct a Hebburn conveyancing lawyer to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for £3. Rest assured that in any event, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Hebburn - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

The prefered form of lease arrangement is where the freehold title is in the ownership of the leaseholders. In this situation the lessees enjoy being in charge if their destiny and although a managing agent is frequently employed if it is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants. Be sure to find out if the the lease contains any onerous restrictions in the lease. For instance it is reasonably common in Hebburn leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Hebburn. If you like the apartmentin Hebburn yet your cat is not allowed to make the move with you then you have a very difficult compromise.