What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Plymstock? Why is this being asked of me?

Plymstock conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have a duty under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the ID of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to disclose two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Bank Statement less than 3 months old).

Evidence of source of funds is also necessary under the money laundering regulations as conveyancers are required to check that the money you are utilising to acquire a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase price if you are buying without a mortgage) has come from legitimate source (such as employment savings) as opposed to the proceeds of criminal behaviour.

The deeds to my property are lost. The solicitors who dealt with the conveyancing in Plymstock 10 years ago are no longer around. What do I do?

You no longer need to have the physical original deeds to prove you are the registered proprietor of land or property, as the Land Registry have everything they need in a digital format.

How does conveyancing in Plymstock differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Plymstock contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is ready to move into. This is because developers in Plymstock typically acquire 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 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 Plymstock or who has acted in the same development.

How do I identify a Plymstock solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel? I am a keen cyclist and am prepared to travel upto 10miles to meet the solicitor.

You can use the search on this page. Please choose the mortgage company and your location and you will see a number of Plymstock conveyancing lawyers based on proximity. We have detailed some Plymstock conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can telephone them to check if they are on the Clydesdale member panel

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Plymstock conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Plymstock conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Plymstock conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:

How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation?

Plymstock Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Be sure to find out if there are any onerous prohibitions in the lease. For instance some leases prohibit pets being allowed in certain buildings in Plymstock. If you like the propertyin Plymstock but your cat can’t make the move with you then you will be presented with a difficult determination. You will want to discover as much as possible about the company managing the block as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you will be at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to daily issues like the cleanliness of the common parts. Enquire of other tenants what they think of them. Finally, be sure you understand the dates that the service charges are due to the managing agents and precisely what it includes. Please note if it is fewer than 80 years it will affect the value of the flat. Check with your bank that they are content with residual term of the lease. A short lease means that you will most likely have to extend the lease sooner rather than later and it is worth discovering how much this would cost. For most Plymstocklease extensions you will be be obliged to have been the owner of the premises for 24 months before you are eligible to extend the lease.