My brother and I have just purchased a house in Kidderminster. We have noticed several problems with the property which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? What searches should? have been carried out for conveyancing in Kidderminster?

The query is not clear as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Kidderminster. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, the vendor answers a form called a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers turns out to be incorrect, then you may have a claim against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Kidderminster.

How does conveyancing in Kidderminster differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Kidderminster approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because developers in Kidderminster tend to purchase the site, 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 Kidderminster or who has acted in the same development.

Are there any apps to help identify a Kidderminster law firm on the Nationwide Building Society conveyancing panel? I have a car and am happy to travel upto 10miles to meet the lawyer.

You can use the search on this website. Please pick a bank and your location and you will see a number of Kidderminster conveyancing lawyers locally. We have listed some Kidderminster conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can contact them to verify if they are on the Nationwide Building Society panel

I am looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Kidderminster for my home move. Can I see a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?

Members of the public may review presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors history, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes monitor telephone calls for training reasons.

I've recently bought a leasehold flat in Kidderminster. Am I liable to pay service charges for periods before completion of my purchase?

In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Kidderminster Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

Make sure you investigate if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For instance some leases prohibit pets being allowed in certain buildings in Kidderminster. If you love the flatin Kidderminster but your cat is not allowed to live with you then you will be presented with a hard compromise. You should want to discover as much as possible concerning the managing agents as they can either make your living at the property much easier or problematic. As the owner of a leasehold property you will be in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical issues like the cleanliness of the communal areas. Don't be afraid to ask prospective neighbours whether they are happy with them. In conclusion, find out the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the relevant party and specifically what it includes. On the whole the cost for major works are not included within service charges, although some managing agents in Kidderminster ask leaseholders to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major works.