I require conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (6 years built) in Victoria Dock. The vast majority the properties have already been sold. Do I need carry out the conveyancing searches for my conveyancing in Victoria Dock?

A big part of the Victoria Dock legal transfer of property is the conveyancing searches. There are numerous search providers who offer Victoria Dock conveyancing searches, as well direct from the local authority. These are generally termed personal search organisation due to them carrying out, personal searches. However, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must secure their data from the local authoritative source.

Will my conveyancer be raising questions concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Victoria Dock.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for lawyers dealing with homes in Victoria Dock. There are those who buy a property in Victoria Dock, fully aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or dispose of the premises. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Conveyancers are not qualified to give advice on flood risk, however there are a various searches that may be carried out by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better appreciation of the risks in Victoria Dock. The standard property information forms given to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual question of the owner to discover whether the premises has ever been flooded. If flooding has previously occurred which is not notified by the owner, then a purchaser may bring a compensation claim resulting from an incorrect answer. The buyer’s lawyers may also commission an enviro report. This will reveal whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations will need to be conducted.

I have been recommended by numerous estate agents in Victoria Dock to choose a property lawyer using your seach tool. What’s the financial inducement for Estate Agents to recommend your lawyers rather than a competitor’s?

We refuse to give any commission for pointing buyers and sellers to this site. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission because home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I receiving any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Victoria Dock for my purchase. Is there any facility to see a firm’s record with the legal regulator?

Members of the public may find published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from inquisitions commenced on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded telephone calls for training requirements.

I today plan to offer on a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Victoria Dock. Conveyancing lawyers have are about to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Victoria Dock are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Victoria Dock so you should seriously consider looking for a Victoria Dock conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your lawyer will advise you fully on all the issues.

Victoria Dock Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries before buying

It would be prudent to find out as much as possible concerning the company managing the building as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to practical issues such as the cleanliness of the communal areas. Enquire of other people what they think of them. Finally, be sure you discover the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the managing agents and precisely what it includes. It is important to be aware whether a new roof is being installed or some other significant cost is coming up that will be shared amongst the leasehold owners and may well dramatically increase the the service costs or require a specific invoice. Generally speaking the cost for major works are not built into the maintenance charges, although there some managing agents in Victoria Dock ask tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund created for the specific intention of establishing a fund for major works.