In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Houghton Regis? What am I being asked for?
Houghton Regis conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to verify the identity of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients will need to produce two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (typically a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).
Proof of source of monies is also required under the money laundering laws as conveyancers are required to ensure that the funds you are utilising to acquire a property (be it the exchange deposit or the total purchase price if you are buying mortgage free) has come from legitimate source (such as an inheritance) as opposed to the proceeds of illegitimate behaviour.
I am in the process of refinancing my house in Houghton Regis, does my lawyer have to be on the Santander Solicitor panel?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Santander conveyancing panel, but Santander would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.
What does a local search inform me about the property we're buying in Houghton Regis?
Houghton Regis conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company for example PSG The local search plays a central part in most Houghton Regis conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any unpleasant once you have moved into your property. The search will reveal data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen topic headings.
Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £195,000 and found one near me in Houghton Regis I like with amenity areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Houghton Regis suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a lease with such few years left?
Should you require a home loan that many years will likely be problematic. Discount the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer regarding this.
I am looking into buying my first house which is in Houghton Regis and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Houghton Regis. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Houghton Regis area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?
Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Houghton Regis. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found
I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Houghton Regis. I happened to chance upon a web site which looks to be the perfect offering If it is possible to get all this stuff done via phone that would be preferable. Should I be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?
As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?