Will my lawyer be making enquiries about flooding during the conveyancing in Cowbridge.

The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for solicitors specialising in conveyancing in Cowbridge. Some people will purchase a house in Cowbridge, fully aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical damage, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or dispose of the premises. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Lawyers are not best placed to give advice on flood risk, however there are a numerous checks that may be undertaken by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which will give them a better appreciation of the risks in Cowbridge. The conventional set of completed inquiry forms supplied to a purchaser’s lawyer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual question of the vendor to determine whether the property has suffered from flooding. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not disclosed by the seller, then a purchaser may issue a legal claim for losses stemming from an incorrect reply. The buyer’s conveyancers may also carry out an enviro search. This will reveal if there is any known flood risk. If so, additional investigations should be carried out.

I have justfound out that Wolstenholmes have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Cowbridge for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 12 months ago. How can I be sure that my home is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The quickest way to see if the premises is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Cowbridge conveyancing specialists.

How does conveyancing in Cowbridge differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Cowbridge approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because builders in Cowbridge tend to purchase 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 property lawyers 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 Cowbridge or who has acted in the same development.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Cowbridge is where the house is located. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Cowbridge 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 Cowbridge you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds very carefully. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Cowbridge 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 premises.

I was recommended by a few estate agents in Cowbridge to locate a property lawyer using your seach tool. Is there a financial incentive for Estate Agents to promote your site over another?

We refuse to make any financial incentive for directing people to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.