I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and have to vacate my let out property in Catford by 11/5/2026. Conveyancing for my house purchase is progressing. Can I complete in six weeks as I wish to avoid having to find short term accommodation?
The normal practice is not to give notice for your letting until you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not previously done so, update to your solicitor and request that they chase the other solicitors, try to get a realistic time scale from them that everyone will work to achieve
I am planning on selling our house in Catford and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A high street Catford lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed an internet conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Catford. We have lived in Catford for many years we know of no issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to get confirmation need.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You should enquire of 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 life insurance to cover that same illness)
How does conveyancing in Catford differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Catford approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because house builders in Catford 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 conveyancers 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 Catford or who has acted in the same development.
Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and identified one near me in Catford I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it's only got 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Catford suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
If you require a home loan the remaining unexpired lease term will be problematic. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you may ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this matter.
How do I search for a Catford solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel? I drive a motor bike and am happy to travel upto 20miles to meet the solicitor.
You can use the facility on this page. Please choose the bank and your location and you will see a number of Catford conveyancing lawyers based on proximity. We have detailed some Catford conveyancing firms at the bottom of this page and you can contact them to verify if they are on the Virgin Money member panel
My wife and I have just had an offer accepted on our first house in Catford, and are about to get solicitors lined up. I have used the numerous comparison based websites and the results are from all across the England and Wales. Is it critical to have a Catford solicitor local to the prospective house? We are willing to do all the communicating electronically, but I guess at some point we may be required to visit the lawyer's office to sign documents?
The conveyancer does not need to be in Catford, but choosing local means that you have the option to attend their offices if required, for instance, if a signature is needed urgently. Also, a Catford solicitor have established relationships with local agents and (if the vendor has instructed a local conveyancer) with them, which will help keep things moving faster.