My partner and I have recently bought a property in East Grinstead. We have noticed several issues with the house which we suspect were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the type of searches that needed to have been ordered for conveyancing in East Grinstead?
It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in East Grinstead. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner fills in a document called a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information turns out to be inaccurate, then you may have a claim against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in East Grinstead.
Why do I have to pay up front for conveyancing in East Grinstead?
If you are buying a property in East Grinstead your lawyer will request that you put them with funds to cover the the cost of the conveyancing searches. This will be the total of the cost of the Local Authority Search. If any down payment is payable against the total price then this should be required immediately prior to contracts are exchanged. The final balance that is due should be sent to your lawyer a few days prior to the completion date.
When researching consumer advice sites for an affordable lawyer in East Grinstead, many say that I should look for a CQS assured solicitor. What is CQS?
The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised kitemark for legal experts in buying or selling property, trusted by some of the UK's leading lenders. Four years ago the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). CQS is not a scheme offered by the Council of Licensed Conveyancing. East Grinstead is one of the many areas of the UK where there are Accredited solicitors.
I'm buying my first flat in East Grinstead with a mortgage from Lloyds TSB Bank. The builders would not reduce the price so I negotiated £7000 of fixtures and fittings instead. The property agent suggested that I not disclose to my solicitor about the extras as it will jeopardize my loan with Lloyds TSB Bank. Is this normal?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
I am looking for a flat up to £195,000 and identified one near me in East Grinstead I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it's only got 52 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in East Grinstead in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
Should you need a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be a potential deal breaker. Discount the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you could request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.
We're first time buyers - had an offer accepted, but the agent has warned us that the owners will only move forward if we instruct their chosen conveyancers as they need a ‘quick sale’. Our preferred option is to instruct a local conveyancer who is accustomed to conveyancing in East Grinstead
We suspect that the owner is unaware of this requirement. If they desire ‘a quick sale', taking such a hostile approach to a serious purchaser is is going to put the whole deal at risk. Speak to the vendors direct and explain that (a)you are genuine buyers (b)you are ready to progress, with finances in place © you do not need to sell (d) you wish to move quickly (e)but you intend to instruct your preferred East Grinstead conveyancing firm - rather thanthose that will earn their estate agent a kickback or achieve conveyancing figures pre-set by corporate headquarters.