Last November we completed a house move in Streatham. We have noticed several problems with the property which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Streatham?
It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Streatham. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, the vendor fills in a questionnaire referred to as a SPIF. answers provided is incorrect, you could possibly take legal action against the vendor 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 Streatham.
I had intended to instruct a property lawyer in Streatham for our home move. Our broker informed us that our mortgage company Coventry Building Society won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unduly restrictive?
Mortgage Companies ordinarily restrict either the type or the volume of conveyancing solicitors on their panel. A common example of such restriction(s) being that a law practice must not be a sole practitioner. As well as restricting the profile of firm, a few lenders have limited the number of solicitor practices they permit to act for them. You should note that Coventry Building Society have no responsibility for the quality of advice provided by any member of Coventry Building Society Conveyancer Panel. Mortgage fraud was a primary driver in the reduction of conveyancing panels since 2008 even though there remains mixed views concerning the extent of solicitor engagement in some of that fraud. Figures from the Land Registry indicate that hundreds of law firms, including some in or near Streatham only conduct very few conveyances per annum.
What does a local search tell me regarding the property my wife and I purchasing in Streatham?
Streatham conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for instance Searchflow The local search plays a central role in most Streatham conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any unpleasant surprises after you move into your new home. The search should provide data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (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 topic headings.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on two weeks back in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Streatham is where the house is located. Can you offer any opinion?
Flying freeholds in Streatham are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Streatham 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 Streatham 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 property.
How do I use the search app to locate a conveyancing solicitor in Streatham on the panel for my bank?
Step one is to choose a bank such as Halifax, Skipton Building Society or Platform Home Loans Ltd then specify your preferred area such as Streatham. Conveyancing organisations in Streatham and further afield should be listed.
Am I best advised to appoint a Streatham conveyancing lawyer in close proximity to the house I am buying? We have a good friend who can conduct the conveyancing however they are based 300kilometers away.
The primary upside of using a local Streatham conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to execute documents, present your identification documents and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local intelligence which is a plus. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If you know people who used your friend and they were happy that should outweigh using an unknown Streatham conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being based in the area.