In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Tenterden? Is this really necessary?
Tenterden conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers accross the UK have a duty under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the ID of any client in order to ensure that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients will need to supply two forms of certified identification; proof of ID (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Utility Bill no older than three months).
Confirmation of the origin of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as conveyancers are obliged to ensure that the money you are utilising to acquire a property (be it the exchange deposit or the total purchase amount if you are a cash purchaser) has come from legitimate source (such as an inheritance) rather than the fruits of illegitimate behaviour.
Is it the case that all Tenterden CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
A selection of banks and building societies now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitors wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
Is it the case that all Tenterden solicitors on the HSBC conveyancing panel are overseen by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?
As a firm of solicitors, in order to be on the HSBC approved list of solicitors they would need to be governed by the SRA. Some banks do allow licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such firms would be governed by the CLC.
I am due to exchange contracts on my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in April 2006, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's mortgage company, Co-operative are being a right pain. The Tenterden solicitor who is on the Co-operative conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Co-operative are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Co-operative have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Co-operative have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Co-operative may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
What does a local search tell me about the property we're buying in Tenterden?
Tenterden conveyancing often starts with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations such as Onsearch The local search is essential in every Tenterden conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your property. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the premises (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 topic sections.
I used Wolstenholmes a few years ago for my conveyancing in Tenterden. Now, I need my documents however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Tenterden of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
How does conveyancing in Tenterden differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Tenterden come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because house builders in Tenterden usually 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Tenterden or who has acted in the same development.