In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Washington? Is this really warranted?

Washington conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners throughout the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to verify the identity of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to supply two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (usually a Utility Bill no older than three months).

Evidence of source of monies is also necessary in compliance with the money laundering laws as lawyers are duty bound to investigate that the monies you are using to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase price where you are a cash purchaser) has come from an acceptable source (such as an inheritance) rather than the product of criminal behaviour.

After reading online forums for a high-quality lawyer in Washington, many advise that I should instruct a CQS kitemarked lawyer. What is CQS?

Washington Conveyancing Quality Scheme law firms have been granted certification by the law Society The Law Society created CQS to promote high standards in the home legal process. CQS helps home movers to recognise practices who provide a quality residential conveyancing. Washington is one of locations in England and Wales in which CQS are based. The conveyancing scheme requires law firms to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self-reporting, spot checks and yearly assessments in order to maintain CQS status. It is available to solicitors and not licensed conveyancers and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

4 months have elapsed since my purchase conveyancing in Washington concluded. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £160,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the asset from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in Washington differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Washington contact us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because developers in Washington tend to purchase the real estate, 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Washington or who has acted in the same development.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for residential conveyancing in Washington. I've land on a site which looks to be the perfect answer If it is possible to get all formalities completed via phone that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?