I am need of leasehold conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (five years built) in West London. 95% of the flats have already been occupied. Is it really necessary to order local searches for my conveyancing in West London?

You would be opening yourself up to an unnecessary risk in not carrying out West London conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying mortgage free there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would seriously advise in the strongest possible terms that your lawyer conducts them. Where time pressures and driving down costs are top of your issues you should consider with your solicitor about the possibility of search insurance

Should commercial conveyancing searches reveal impending roadworks that may affect a commercial land in West London?

Its becoming the norm that commercial conveyancing solicitors in West London will order a SiteSolutions Highways report as it reduces the time that conveyancers invest in researching accurate data on highways that impact buildings and development assets in West London. The report sets out definitive data on the adoption status of roads, footpaths and verges, as well as the implication of traffic schemes and the rights of way surrounding a commercial development sites in West London.

For every commercial conveyancing transaction in West London it is crucial to investigate the adoption status of roads surrounding a site. The absence of identifying developments where adoption procedures have not been dealt with adequately could cause delays to West London commercial conveyancing transactions as well as pose a risk to future intentions for the site. These searches are not ordered for residential conveyancing in West London.

How does conveyancing in West London differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in West London come to us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because house builders in West London tend to acquire the land, 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 used to new build conveyancing in West London or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £305k and found one near me in West London I like with open areas and transport links nearby, however it only has 49 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in West London for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a short lease?

If you need a home loan the shortness of the lease may be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you may ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.

In scouring the world wide web for the phrase cheap conveyancing in West London it reveals many property lawyersin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable conveyancer for purchase transaction?

The best method of seeking the right conveyancer is through a personal referral, so ask friends and those you trust who have purchased a property in West London or a reputable estate agent or mortgage broker. Fees for conveyancing in West London vary, so it's sensible to obtain at least four quotes from varying types of solicitors. Be sure to obtain confirmation that the fees are fixed.