It is is a decade since I acquired my property in Selsdon. Conveyancing lawyers have just been appointed on the sale but I can't locate the title deeds. Will this cause complications?
You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be kept by the mortgage company or they could still be with the conveyancers who oversaw your purchase. Secondly in all probability the property will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers procuring up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Selsdon involves registered property but in the unlikely event that your property is not registered it is more of a problem but is not insurmountable.
How can we tell if a Selsdon conveyancing solicitor on the Leeds Building Society panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Selsdon seeking recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer handling your conveyancing.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Selsdon off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Yorkshire BS. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Yorkshire BS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel.
Bank of Ireland have agreed my home loan in principle, my bid on a property in Selsdon has been accepted, now what?
The estate agent will need to know who your solicitors are (be sure the solicitors are on the lender’s panel). Telephone Bank of Ireland or your broker and finish off any appropriate forms. Bank of Ireland will instruct a valuer who will get in contact with the selling agent or seller to book an appointment. Once carried out (assuming no problems) it takes about a fortnight to get a mortgage offer. Bank of Ireland will issue the offer to you and your conveyancers. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Selsdon.
How does conveyancing in Selsdon differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Selsdon approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is finished. This is because new home sellers in Selsdon typically acquire 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 conveyancers 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 Selsdon or who has acted in the same development.
I have been on the look out for a flat up to £235,500 and identified one close by in Selsdon I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 52 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Selsdon suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?
If you require a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term may be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you may request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this matter.
I am looking for a conveyancing practitioner in Selsdon for my home move. Can I check a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public may find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions commenced on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors history, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes recorded telephone calls for training requirements.