I require conveyancing for a flat in a fairly new development (6 years built) in Plumstead. 95% of the appartments are already sold. Is it strictly necessary to order local searches for my conveyancing in Plumstead?

If you are buying a property with the assistance of a loan, your lender will need some (many) of the searches so you'll have no choice. If not, then Plumstead conveyancing searches are for you to decide upon. Your lawyer, will 'advise', perhaps in the strongest possible terms, that you should not go ahead without searches, but he or she is duty bound in this regard. One thing to bear in mind; if you are likely to sell the house one day, it may be of interest to your future buyer what the searches contain. Sometimes houses with no practical issues can still throw up adverse search results. But if you choose to instruct your lawyer to proceed without searches then your lawyer will have to follow your instructions or it may be necessary to find a new lawyer for your conveyancing in Plumstead.

I am selling our property in Plumstead and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A local conveyancer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers used a factory type conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Plumstead. We have lived in Plumstead for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to get confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

How does conveyancing in Plumstead differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Plumstead approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because new home sellers in Plumstead usually buy 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Plumstead or who has acted in the same development.

I have been on the look out for a flat up to £235,500 and found one near me in Plumstead I like with open areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 51 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Plumstead for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a short lease?

If you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be problematic. Discount the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Plumstead. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Plumstead ?

Most houses in Plumstead are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Plumstead so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Plumstead conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the freeholder’spermission to conduct changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your solicitor should advise you fully on all the issues.