In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Scarborough? What am I being asked for?

Scarborough conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers throughout the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to disclose two forms of certified ID; proof of ID (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Bank Statement no older than three months).

Proof of source of funds is also necessary under the money laundering regulations as solicitors are required to ensure 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 a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as employment savings) rather than the proceeds of illegitimate activity.

My uncle advised me that in purchasing a property in Scarborough there may be various restrictions prohibiting external alterations to a property. Is this right?

There are anumerous of properties in Scarborough which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to perform external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Scarborough should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

Completion of my purchase has taken place for my property in Scarborough. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about the lender. How does one go about formally complaining?

Almost all lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.

After much negotiation I have agreed a price on a house in Scarborough. My mortgage broker pressured me to appoint their property lawyer. I paid an upfront payment of £150. Not long after, the conveyancer called me embarrassingly acknowledging that they were not on the HSBC conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?

You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the HSBC panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my commercial offices in Scarborough and how can your lawyers assist?

The 1954 Act affords protection to business lessees, granting the a statutory right to make a request to court for a renewal lease and continue in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Scarborough is one of our numerous areas of the UK in which our lawyers are located

In searching the web for the words on line conveyancing in Scarborough it shows results of numerous solicitorsin the vicinity. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right property lawyer for the sale of my house?

The preferential way of choosing a suitable conveyancer is through a trusted recommendation, so seek the guidance of colleagues and family who have bought a property in Scarborough or a local estate agent or financial adviser. Fees for conveyancing in Scarborough differ, so it's a good idea to secure at least three estimates from varying types of solicitors. Be sure to obtain confirmation that the charges are assured not to to be inflated.

Last August I purchased a leasehold house in Scarborough. Am I liable to pay service charges for periods before my ownership?

In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous lessee and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Leasehold Conveyancing in Scarborough - Sample of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

Is anyone aware of any major works on the horizon that will add a premium to the maintenance charges? How long is the Lease? What is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the flat?