My partner and I have just acquired a house in Allendale. We have noticed several problems with the property which we consider were missed in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? What searches should? have been carried out for conveyancing in Allendale?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Allendale. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated as part of the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a seller answers a form called a SPIF. answers proves to be inaccurate, 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 Allendale.

Why is leasehold purchase conveyancing in Allendale is more expensive?

Allendale leasehold properties involve far more paperwork than a freehold purchase, and therefore takes more time to examine and advise upon.Conveyancing will involve the lease having to be checked which is usually a lengthy document, queries raised to ensure that the covenants and conditions have been observed. If it is a flat there will be a management company in existence and the accounts of this will need to be checked and enquiries raised to ensure it is operating efficiently and that all monies due have been paid by the Seller to the company and if not ensuring that money is paid up to date or the appropriate undertakings obtained.

My bank has suggested a law firm on their panel based in Allendale but I would rather instruct a conveyancing lawyer in Allendale round the corner to me. Are you able to help?

The minority of Allendale conveyancing practitioners are approved and listed on all lender’s conveyancing panel. Do make the most of the above find an approved solicitor tool to locate a Allendale conveyancing firm on the on the bank panel.

Should our solicitor be raising questions regarding flooding as part of the conveyancing in Allendale.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for lawyers dealing with homes in Allendale. Some people will buy a property in Allendale, fully aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, leaving to one side the physical destruction, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or dispose of the property. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Lawyers are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, however there are a number of searches that may be initiated by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which will figure out the risks in Allendale. The conventional set of information given to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual question of the seller to find out whether the property has suffered from flooding. If the property has been flooded in past which is not disclosed by the owner, then a purchaser could issue a legal claim for losses as a result of such an incorrect answer. The purchaser’s solicitors will also commission an environmental search. This should reveal whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, further inquiries should be initiated.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Allendale conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Allendale conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you make enquires with several firms including non Allendale conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be of use:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Allendale who can give a testimonial?

Allendale Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

The best form of lease structure is where the freehold title is owned by the leaseholders. In this arrangement the leaseholders enjoy being in charge if their destiny and notwithstanding that a managing agent is usually retained where the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent employed by the leaseholders. Who is in charge of the block? Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?