My brother and I have recently bought a property in Otford. We have noticed several problems with the house which we suspect were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been conducted as part of conveyancing in Otford?
It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Otford. Conveyancing searches and investigations undertaken as part of the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor fills in a questionnaire known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers ends up being incorrect, then you may have a claim against the owner 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 Otford.
I am the registered owner of a freehold premises in Otford but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Otford and has limited impact for conveyancing in Otford but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be extinguished.
What is the optimum way to discover of the solicitor conducting my conveyancing in Otford is on the bank’sapproved panel? I am looking to avoid the situation of having one lawyer for me and one for Virgin Money thus spending £192.00 in further conveyancing bill.
Please do make the most of the search tool on this page. Pick the mortgage company and type ‘Otford’ or your preferred area and you will be presented with numerous solicitors offices in Otford or by proximity to you.
I am assisting my aunt sell her flat in Otford. Does the solicitor order an EPC or do I organise this?
After the abolition of HIPs, EPC’s became a mandatory element of moving house. An EPC should be to hand prior to the property being placed on the market. It is not a task that solicitors ordinarily organise. If you are using a Otford conveyancing lawyer they may help arrange energy performance certificates given their contacts with long established Otford accredited person
This question may be naive but I am new to the process as FTB of a ground floor flat in Otford. Do I collect the keys to the premises on the completion date from my conveyancer? If this is the case, I will find a local conveyancing solicitor in Otford?
On the day of completion you do not need to attend the conveyancers office in Otford. Conveyancing lawyers for you will transfer the purchase money to the seller's lawyers, and once they have received this, you will be called to collect the keys from the selling Agents and move into your new home. Usually this happens between 1 and 3pm.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Otford. I have a mortgage agreed with Clydesdale. 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 have 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 Clydesdale, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Otford is the location of the property. Can you offer any opinion?
Flying freeholds in Otford are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Otford you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Otford may determine 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 residence.
I am looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Otford for my house move. Can I see a firm’s record with the legal regulator?
Members of the public can read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions started on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may recorded call for training purposes.