Is there a reason to use a Staffordshire conveyancing company when online conveyancers are cheap by comparison?
Its a good idea to get 2 or 3 like-for-like quotes for conveyancing costs in Staffordshire and you should seek an affordable estimate but don’t be focused with scouring the internet for the cheapest Staffordshire conveyancer. Appointing the right conveyancer can be the difference between a smooth and a frustrating house move. It is important that you ensure that you have expert guidance from an experienced lawyer. Emails can't be as helpful as a phone call and can never replicate a one to one appointment. The firms that we work with will appoint you a qualified and top rated conveyancing solicitor that will handle your conveyancing from from the outset to completion, giving the sort of hand holding that you are unlikely to received from an web based conveyancer. Our lawyers will update you on any developments making sure that you are regularly updated. Should it ever be necessary to phone the office you will know who to ask for and we'll ensure you are kept fully informed.
My wife and I buying a detached bungalow in Staffordshire. The intention is to carry out a loft conversion at the house.Will the conveyancing process involve enquiries to determine if these alterations were previously refused?
Your solicitor should check the registered title as conveyancing in Staffordshire can on occasion reveal restrictions in the title documents which restrict categories of changes or necessitated the permission of another owner. Many additions call for local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Some areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or affect extensions. It would be sensible to check these things with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.
We expect to receive a DIP from Principality this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Principality recommend any Staffordshire solicitors on the Principality conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?
You will need to appoint Staffordshire solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Principality conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Principality through the process.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Staffordshire. I have a mortgage agreed with Santander. 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 Santander, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Santander conveyancing panel.
Me and my brother have a renovated Victorian property in Staffordshire. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Aldermore. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same property. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?
You need to read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be 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 Staffordshire 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 buyers. You can also question the position with the conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.
How does conveyancing in Staffordshire differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Staffordshire approach us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Staffordshire typically buy 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 conveyancers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Staffordshire or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Staffordshire is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Staffordshire are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Staffordshire you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Staffordshire may decide 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.
In surfing the internet for the term cheap conveyancing in Staffordshire it reveals numerous property lawyersin the area. How do I determine which is the suitable conveyancer for me?
The preferential method of finding the right conveyancer is through a personal referral, so enquire of colleagues and those you trust who have bought a property in Staffordshire or the reputable estate agent or financial adviser. Fees for conveyancing in Staffordshire differ, so it's sensible to obtain a minimum of three fee calculations from different solicitors. Dont forget to clarify that the fees are fixed.