My partner and I have recently purchased a property in Kingsdown. We have noticed several issues with the house which we believe were omitted in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Kingsdown?
The question is vague as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Kingsdown. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller completes a form called a SPIF. If the information ends up being misleading, then you may have a claim against the owner 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 Kingsdown.
I have a decision in principle. The lender mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to use their panel lawyer as I would much rather instruct a Kingsdown based conveyancing firm?
Do check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel lawyers where you accept the "fee-free" deal. Call the bank and see if they offer you a monetary alternative. Some lenders have previously offered a £250 cashback as a further option in which case that money can go towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in Kingsdown.
I have been told that property searches are the primary cause of stalling in Kingsdown house deals. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Kingsdown.
How does conveyancing in Kingsdown differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Kingsdown come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is built. This is because new home sellers in Kingsdown tend to 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Kingsdown or who has acted in the same development.
Am I best advised to instruct a Kingsdown conveyancing lawyer who is local to the property I am buying? I have an old university friend who can perform the legal formalities but her office is a couple of hundredmiles away.
The primary upside of using a local Kingsdown conveyancing practice is that you can drop in to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and apply pressure on them if necessary. They will also have local intelligence which is a bonus. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If if people you trust used your friend and on the whole were content that must trump using an unfamiliar Kingsdown conveyancing lawyer just because they are round the corner.