What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Chatham

Do not opt for the lowest Chatham conveyancing fees. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in advance.

When it comes to lenders such as Bank of Ireland, do Chatham conveyancing practitioners face a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?

We are unaware of any lender fees to register on their list of approved firms, although some do levy an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

I can not fathom if my bank requires a lease extension. I have called into my local Chatham building society branch on a couple of occasions and was informed it wasn't an issue and they will lend. My Chatham conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they would not lend in accordance with their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I simply don't know who is right.

As long as the property lawyer is on the lender approved list, they must follow the CML Handbook specifications for the lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.

Should our lawyer be asking questions about flooding as part of the conveyancing in Chatham.

Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Chatham. There are those who acquire a house in Chatham, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical damage, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable insurance cover, or sell the premises. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the purchaser.

Conveyancers are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, however there are a number of checks that can be carried out by the purchaser or by their lawyers which will figure out the risks in Chatham. The standard property information forms supplied to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a usual question of the seller to discover whether the property has suffered from flooding. In the event that the residence has been flooded in past and is not disclosed by the seller, then a buyer may issue a claim for damages as a result of such an inaccurate reply. A buyer’s solicitors will also order an environmental search. This will higlight if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, more detailed investigations will need to be made.

three months have gone by following my purchase conveyancing in Chatham concluded. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £180,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the asset from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

Should I be concerned that 3rd parties that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use a web based conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Chatham conveyancing company?

As is the case with lots of professional services, often input from relatives can be worth their weight in gold. Nevertheless there are numerous players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and banks might all put forward solicitors to choose. On occasion the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there behind the scenes commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You have the right to select your own conveyancer. You need to be aware that the majority of lenders specify a panel list of law firms you are obliged to use for the lender related work in your conveyancing.

I have just appointed agents to market my ground floor flat in Chatham. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed, but I have recently had a half-yearly maintenance charge demand – Do I pay up?

It best that you discharge the service charge as you normally would given that all rents and maintenance invoices should be allotted on completion, so you should recover the relevant percentage by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the subsequent invoice date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer until the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. Having a clear account will assist your cause and will leave you no worse off financially.

Chatham Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Is the freehold reversion owned collectively by the leaseholders? You will want to discover as much as you can concerning the company managing the building as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to daily matters like the upkeep of the communal areas. Enquire of other people what they think of their service. In conclusion, find out the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the appropriate party and precisely what you get for your money. Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?