Last July we completed a house move in St Mellons. We have since encountered a number of issues with the house which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? What searches should? have been carried out as part of conveyancing in St Mellons?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in St Mellons. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the legal transfer of property are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller completes a form called a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers is incorrect, then you may have a claim against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in St Mellons.

What will a local search reveal regarding the property my wife and I buying in St Mellons?

St Mellons conveyancing often starts with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company such as Searchflow The local search is essential in every St Mellons conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search should provide information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 subject sections.

Should I use a St Mellons conveyancing practitioner who is local to the property I am hoping to buy? An old friend can conduct the conveyancing however her office is 300miles drive away.

The primary upside of using a high street St Mellons conveyancing firm is that you can attend the office to sign documents, hand in your identification documents and pester them if necessary. They will also have local knowledge which is a benefit. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If other friends have used your friend and they were content that should surpass using an unfamiliar St Mellons conveyancing solicitor just because they are St Mellons based.

I have just appointed agents to market my 2 bed flat in St Mellons. Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon, but I have recently received a quarterly service charge demand – Do I pay up?

The sensible thing to do is clear the service charge as you normally would given that all ground rent and maintenance payments will be allotted on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer until the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

Leasehold Conveyancing in St Mellons - Sample of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

You will want to discover as much as possible regarding the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are frequently at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to daily issues such as the cleanliness of the common parts. Enquire of prospective neighbours if they are happy with their management. Finally, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the managing agents and precisely what you get for your money. Generally speaking the cost for major works tend not to be included within maintenance charges, albeit that there some managing agents in St Mellons require leaseholders to contribute towards a reserve fund created for the specific intention of establishing a fund for larger works. Who takes responsibility for maintaining and repairing the block?

Should I be worried if there is a problem with one of the searches for my conveyancing in St Mellons?

Ordinarily, almost all issues that arise in St Mellons conveyancing search results can be addressed in advance of completion or indemnity insurance could possibly be taken. It is crucial to note that although you may be purchasing the property and might be content to live with the search results, your building society or bank may not, and when all said and done they have the final say.