We are purchasing a house and need a conveyancing solicitor in Lewes who is on the Nationwide approved panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Nationwide . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Lewes.
I am purchasing a terrace house in Lewes. The intention is to carry out a loft conversion at the property.Will the conveyancing process include enquiries to ascertain if these works were previously refused?
Your conveyancer will review the deeds as conveyancing in Lewes can occasionally reveal restrictions in the title deeds which prohibit categories of changes or need the permission of another owner. Certain extensions need local authority planning consent and approval in compliance with building regulations. Some areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be prudent to check these things with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.
We previously appointed conveyancers with offices in Lewes on the Aldermore solicitor panel. They have just billed me a supplemental amount for the legal aspects of the Aldermore mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee specified by Aldermore?
Provided it is contained in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your property lawyer can levy a fee for this. The fee is not dictated by Aldermore but by your Lewes lawyer. Numerous firms on the Aldermore panel will charge ’dealing with mortgage’ fee but many firms include it on their overall fee.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Lewes off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.
What does a local search tell me concerning the house we're buying in Lewes?
Lewes conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example Searchflow The local search is essential in every Lewes conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your new home. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant 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 13 subject areas.
How does conveyancing in Lewes differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Lewes contact us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because builders in Lewes usually purchase the real estate, 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 property lawyers 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 Lewes or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Lewes ahead of appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. The surveyor has said that some lenders will refuse to give a loan on such a home.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Lewes. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Lewes especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Lewes.
Is it simple use the search tool to choose a conveyancing solicitor in Lewes on the authorised to act for my bank?
First choose a bank such as Yorkshire Building Society, The Royal Bank of Scotland or Godiva Mortgages Ltd then choose your preferred area for example Lewes. Conveyancing practices in Lewes and nationally should be identified.