Why do I have to pay up front for conveyancing in Exeter?

If you are buying a property in Exeter your solicitor will request that you to provide them with monies to cover the the cost of the conveyancing searches. This will be the total of the cost of the Local Authority Search. If any deposit is payable against the purchase price then this should be required shortly before exchange of contracts. Any further balance that is due should be sent to your lawyer shortly before completion.

What can a local search tell me regarding the house I am buying in Exeter?

Exeter conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company for example Searchflow The local search is essential in every Exeter conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any unpleasant once you have moved into your property. The search should supply 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 thirteen subject headings.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Exeter is where the house is located. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in Exeter 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 Exeter you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Exeter 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.

I am looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Exeter for my home move. Is there any facility to check a firm’s record with the legal regulator?

One can find documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations started on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could recorded telephone calls for training reasons.

Is planning permission needed to change a single dwelling into multiple appartments in Exeter? This has occurred to a house next door to a relative in Exeter and was ignorant of it happening until after the works were done.

Planning consent is required for converting a single dwelling in Exeter into apartments but probably not for reverting once again to single dwelling-house so, in answer to your question, yes,a it is required.