We are buying a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in Staffordshire who is on the TSB conveyancing panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for TSB . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Staffordshire.
A friend informed me that in buying a property in Staffordshire there could be a number of restrictions affecting the ability to carry out external alterations to the property. Is this right?
There are a number of properties in Staffordshire which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to execute external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Staffordshire should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
My husband and I are in the throws of viewing houses in Staffordshire and I am about to put in an offer. Is it too early to have a solicitor in place? I will be getting a home loan with RBS.
You should start obtaining conveyancing estimates from solicitors ASAP. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. As you are getting a mortgage with RBS, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the RBS conveyancing panel.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Staffordshire. I have a mortgage offer with Virgin Money. 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 Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.
How does conveyancing in Staffordshire differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Staffordshire come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because builders in Staffordshire typically buy 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 Staffordshire or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Staffordshire in advance of retaining lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. Our surveyor advised that some banks may not grant a loan on this type of premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you contact us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Staffordshire. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Staffordshire to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
We're first time buyers - agreed a price, but the estate agent informed us that the seller will only proceed if we instruct their chosen lawyers as they want a ‘quick sale’. We would rather use a high street conveyancer used to conveyancing in Staffordshire
It is highly unlikely the vendors are behind this. Should the vendor desire ‘a quick sale', taking such a hostile approach to a serious purchaser is not the way to achieve this. Avoid the agents and go straight to the sellers and explain that (a)you are genuine buyers (b)you are ready to go, with mortgage lined up © you are unencumbered (d) you wish to move quickly (e)but you intend to instruct your preferred Staffordshire conveyancing lawyers - as opposed tothose that will provide their negotiator at the agency a referral fee or meet his conveyancing thresholds demanded by senior management.