In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Leeds? Is this really warranted?

Leeds conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property practitioners accross the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the ID of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to disclose two forms of certified ID; proof of ID (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Utility Bill no older than three months).

Proof of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as conveyancers have a duty to ensure that the money you are utilising to buy a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase amount where you are buying mortgage free) has originated from an acceptable source (such as an inheritance) and is not the proceeds of criminal behaviour.

We are selling our flat in Leeds. Will the lawyer have to be required to be on the Principality conveyancing panel in order to deal with redeeming my mortgage?

Ordinarily, even if your lawyer is not on the Principality conveyancing panel they can still act for you on your sale. It might be that the lender will not release the original deeds (if applicable and increasingly irrelevant) until after the mortgage is paid off. You should speak to your lawyer directly before you start the process though to ensure that there is no problem as lenders are changing their panel criteria fairly frequently in recent years.

I have been on the look out for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Leeds I like with a park and station in the vicinity, however it's only got 49 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Leeds suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a home loan that many years will likely be a potential deal breaker. Discount the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you may ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.

In my capacity as executor for the estate of my grandmother I am selling a property in Monmouth but I am based in Leeds. My conveyancer (based 250 miles awayrequires that I execute a statutory declaration prior to the transaction finalising. Could you suggest a conveyancing lawyer in Leeds who can witness and place their company stamp on the document?

strictly speaking you should not be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally or notary public or solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are Leeds based

Can a conveyancer remove a name from the title of my property in Leeds ?

Removing or adding someone to the title of your house is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to appoint a solicitor to discuss your legal rights before you can proceed with a transfer of property. Contact us to book a free consultation with one a property lawyer