I am buying a terrace house in Victoria Dock. We would like to convert the garage to a playroom at the house.Will the conveyancing process include checks to see if these alterations are permitted?

Your solicitor should check the deeds as conveyancing in Victoria Dock will on occasion identify restrictions in the title documents which prevent categories of alterations or need the consent of a 3rd party. Some works need local authority planning permissions and approval in accordance building regulations. Many areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or affect extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

We are getting the release of further funds on our home loan from Yorkshire BS as we intend to carry out improvements to our home in Victoria Dock. Do we need to select a local Victoria Dock solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?

Yorkshire BS would not normally appoint a member of their approved list of lawyers to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Yorkshire BS panel.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Victoria Dock off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Virgin Money. Conveyancing is new to me. 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.

My partner and I are downsizing from our property in Victoria Dock and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A high street Victoria Dock lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers used a national conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Victoria Dock. We have lived in Victoria Dock for many years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to obtain clarification need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You should check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

My uncle has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Victoria Dock. Do I take his recommendation?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Victoria Dock conveyancing lawyer it’s preferable to select a conveyancing lawyer is to seek feedback from friends or relatives who have used the solicitor you're contemplating using.

Back In 2005, I bought a leasehold flat in Victoria Dock. Conveyancing and Godiva Mortgages Ltd mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. Attached was a ground rent demand for rent dating back to 1996. The conveyancing solicitor in Victoria Dock who acted for me is not around. Do I pay?

First contact the Land Registry to be sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. There is no need to instruct a Victoria Dock conveyancing practitioner to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for £3. You should note that in any event, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Victoria Dock Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Who manages the building? This question is helpful as a) areas could cause problems in the block as the communal areas may start to deteriorate if maintenance are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have a dispute with the managing agents you will want to have all the details On the whole the outlay for major works are not built into the maintenance charges, although a few managing agents in Victoria Dock obliged leasehold owners to pay into a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance.

My mum and dad cant seem to find their Victoria Dock property on the HMLR site. They have a vague recollection 48 years ago when they acquired the house there were complications concerning the address not being recognised in some systems.

Nearly all premises in Victoria Dock should appear. Have you tried a search with just the postcode. Usually it should disclose all the houses and flats within that postcode. Where registered it will be there with a title number. If they bought back in the 60’s it's conceivable it may be unrecorded. The address might still be revealed but with the title number identified as 'na'. In this scenario you will need to find the original title papers which may be with your parent’s lender.