I have given 8 weeks notice to my current landlord and have to leave my rented apartment in Kingston upon Thames by . Conveyancing on my purchase has just started. How realistic is it to complete in six weeks as I wish to avoid having to move into temporary accommodation?

Generally one should not serve notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. If you have not previously done so, notify to your solicitor and urge them to they cajole the sellers solicitors, try to an acceptable time-line that all parties will look to achieve

Will my lawyer be raising enquiries concerning flooding during the conveyancing in Kingston upon Thames.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for solicitors specialising in conveyancing in Kingston upon Thames. Plenty of people will purchase a house in Kingston upon Thames, fully aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical destruction, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or sell the property. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Solicitors are not best placed to impart advice on flood risk, but there are a numerous searches that can be initiated by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which will figure out the risks in Kingston upon Thames. The standard completed inquiry forms sent to a purchaser’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual question of the vendor to discover whether the property has suffered from flooding. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not notified by the owner, then a buyer could bring a compensation claim as a result of such an incorrect response. A buyer’s conveyancers should also carry out an environmental search. This should indicate if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, further inquiries will need to be made.

How does conveyancing in Kingston upon Thames differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Kingston upon Thames come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because builders in Kingston upon Thames typically purchase 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 used to new build conveyancing in Kingston upon Thames or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Kingston upon Thames is where the house is located. Is there any guidance you can give?

Flying freeholds in Kingston upon Thames are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Kingston upon Thames you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Kingston upon Thames may decide 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.

Is there a difference between surveying and conveyancing in Kingston upon Thames?

Conveyancing - in Kingston upon Thames or elsewhere - is the legal term given to transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It therefore includes the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you are intending to buy and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you leverage for negotiating the purchase price down or asking the seller to fix the defects before you complete your move.