In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Castle Eden? Why is this being asked of me?

Castle Eden conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers throughout the UK have an obligation under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to verify the ID of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to produce two forms of certified identification; proof of ID (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (usually a Utility Bill no more than three months).

Proof of the origin of funds is also necessary under the money laundering regulations as conveyancers are required to check that the funds you are using to buy a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase price where you are buying without a mortgage) has originated from a reputable source (such as an inheritance) and is not the product of criminal behaviour.

Do I need to visit the offices of the solicitor to execute the mortgage deed? If so, I will instruct a firm who offer conveyancing in Castle Eden so that I can attend their offices if required.

These days conveyancing panel lawyers for banks undertake their communications via Royal Mail, internet or over the phone. This enables them to carry out the legal work for your home move no matter where you live in England or Wales. Nevertheless you can see if you can still book an appointment to visit conveyancing lawyer if you prefer.

How does conveyancing in Castle Eden differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Castle Eden approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because new home sellers in Castle Eden tend to acquire the land, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Castle Eden or who has acted in the same development.

My husband and I are FTB’s - agreed a price, yet the estate agent has warned us that the owners will only move forward if we instruct the agent's recommended lawyers as they are insisting on a ‘quick sale’. We would rather use a high street solicitor who is familiar with conveyancing in Castle Eden

It is improbable the vendors are driving this. Should the owner desire ‘a quick sale', alienating a motivated purchaser is not the way to achieve this. Try to communicate with the sellers directly and make sure they comprehend that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances in place © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)but you will continue to use your preferred Castle Eden conveyancing solicitors - rather thanthose that will earn their estate agent a commission or hit his conveyancing figures demanded by senior management.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Castle Eden. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Castle Eden are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Castle Eden in which case you should be looking for a Castle Eden conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the freeholder’spermission to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor should report to you on the legal implications.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Castle Eden - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

The answer will be useful as a) areas may result in problems in the block as the communal areas may start to deteriorate where services are not paid for b) if the tenants have a dispute with the running of the building you will wish to know about it It is important to be aware whether window replacement or some other significant cost is pending to be shared by the leaseholders and will materially impact the level of the service fees or necessitate a one off payment. For most Castle Eden leaseholds the cost for major works tend not to be included within service charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Castle Eden require leaseholders to contribute towards a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance.