We have agreed to purchase a house in Henfield. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. UBS have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?
As your lender is UBS your lawyer must check the conveyancing instructions contained in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for UBS. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and property lawyers are required to report to UBS where a lease does not meet these provisions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties countrywide and is not isolated to Henfield.
My partner and I are spending time viewing flats in Henfield and I am now considering a potential offer. Is it best to have my lawyer on ‘stand by’? I intend to finance via a home loan with Co-operative.
It would be prudent to start your search sooner rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on to the selling agent. As you are seeking a mortgage with Co-operative, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the Co-operative conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Henfield. I have a mortgage offer with Lloyds. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Lloyds, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Lloyds conveyancing panel.
I have recentlybecome aware that Arc property Solicitors have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Henfield for a purchase of a freehold house 12 months ago. How can I check that the property is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?
The easiest method to see if the property is registered to you, you can carry out 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 Henfield conveyancing specialists.
How does conveyancing in Henfield differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Henfield come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because developers in Henfield typically acquire the land, 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 Henfield or who has acted in the same development.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a simple, no chain conveyancing. Henfield is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Henfield are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Henfield you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Henfield may determine 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 premises.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing lawyer in Henfield for my home move. Can I see a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public can review presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded telephone calls for training requirements.