I require conveyancing for an apartment in a fairly new development (seven years built) in Hockley Heath. Almost all the flats are already sold. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Hockley Heath?
A big part of the Hockley Heath conveyancing process is the conveyancing searches. There are a large number of companies conducting Hockley Heath conveyancing searches, as well direct from the local authority. These are usually referred to as personal search providers due to them carrying out, personal searches. However, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must obtain their data from the local authoritative source.
Can you clarify what the consequences are if my lawyer’s firm is removed from the RBS Solicitor panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Hockley Heath?
First, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.
I have a semi-detached Victorian property in Hockley Heath. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Nationwide Building Society. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the matching property. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?
You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for 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 Hockley Heath and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with mortgage companies. You can also question the position with your conveyancing solicitor who carried out the work.
How does conveyancing in Hockley Heath differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Hockley Heath approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is built. This is because developers in Hockley Heath 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 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Hockley Heath or who has acted in the same development.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Hockley Heath is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can impart?
Flying freeholds in Hockley Heath are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Hockley Heath you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Hockley Heath may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
I am looking for a conveyancing practitioner in Hockley Heath for my house move. Can I check a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
You can see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes recorded call for training reasons.