IfI were to acquire a freehold housein Chafford Hundred for cash and dispense with a survey and no local authority searches how much would I expect to have to pay for conveyancing in Chafford Hundred?
The only reduction in fees you would achieve is the Chafford Hundred conveyancing searches. A property lawyer is required to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, liaising with the vendors conveyancer, stamp duty submission, register the ownership etc. You might save a bit for them not having to register a charge however it will not be a lot.
We are downsizing from our property in Chafford Hundred and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed a nationwide conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Chafford Hundred. We have lived in Chafford Hundred for 4 years we know of no issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to get clarification that the buyers are looking for.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. What do they say? You need to 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)
I have a 4 bedroom Edwardian property in Chafford Hundred. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and Platform Home Loans Ltd. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold with the exact same property. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?
You need to read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Chafford Hundred and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also check the position with your conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.
How does conveyancing in Chafford Hundred differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Chafford Hundred contact us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because builders in Chafford Hundred usually buy 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 Chafford Hundred or who has acted in the same development.
I opted to have a survey done on a property in Chafford Hundred in advance of retaining lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the property. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies may not issue a loan on this type of house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Chafford Hundred. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
We are seeking to buy a repossessed property in Chafford Hundred and the bank selling demand completion inside a week. Can a property lawyer meet that timeframe? Would it be better to select a local Chafford Hundred firm or an online company that professes to complete quickly?
Attend your Chafford Hundred high street. Go in to 3 firms and request to talk to a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Explain your situation and get a commitment on time frames. Select the firm that comes across as most trustworthy. Be sure to select a solicitor on the list of solicitors acceptable to your mortgage company.