There is lots of information on this site concerning conveyancing in Hoxton but what is your top tip for selecting the right conveyancer in Hoxton
Do not opt for the lowest Hoxton conveyancing quote. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in advance.
We expect to receive a OIP from Skipton this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Skipton recommend any Hoxton solicitors on the Skipton conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?
You will need to appoint Hoxton solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Skipton conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Skipton through the process.
I am due to exchange contracts on my house. I had a double glazing fitted in August 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's lender, Barclays are being difficult. The Hoxton solicitor who is on the Barclays conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Barclays are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Barclays have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Barclays have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Barclays may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
Will my solicitor be raising enquiries concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Hoxton.
The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for lawyers conducting conveyancing in Hoxton. There are those who acquire a property in Hoxton, fully expectant that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, leaving to one side the physical destruction, where a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or sell the premises. Steps can be carried out during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.
Conveyancers are not best placed to impart advice on flood risk, but there are a various checks that can be initiated by the purchaser or by their lawyers which will figure out the risks in Hoxton. The standard information supplied to a purchaser’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual inquiry of the owner to find out if the premises has suffered from flooding. If flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the vendor, then a buyer may issue a legal claim for losses as a result of such an inaccurate reply. The purchaser’s lawyers may also conduct an enviro report. This will indicate if there is any known flood risk. If so, further inquiries will need to be made.
3 months have elapsed since my purchase conveyancing in Hoxton concluded. I have checked the Land Registry site 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 residence 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 am thinking of appointing a conveyancing practitioner in Hoxton for my house move. Is there any facility to review a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?
One can review documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from inquisitions started on or after 1 January 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may recorded call for training purposes.
What do I do if I am unhappy with the solicitor who did our conveyancing in Hoxton?
We live in an imperfect world, and is is a fact of life that sometimes matters do not go as planned. However there is recourse if you were not happy with your conveyancing in Hoxton. This varies from trying to resolve matters directly with them, through to reporting a property lawyer to their regulator. If things still aren’t resolved you may consider getting in touch with the Legal Ombudsman.