In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Hurst Green? Is this really warranted?

Hurst Green conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have a duty under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to verify the identity of any client with a view to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to disclose two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Bank Statement less than 3 months old).

Proof of the origin of monies is also required in compliance with the money laundering statutes as conveyancers have a duty to investigate that the funds you are using to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase monies if you are buying without a mortgage) has come from legitimate source (such as employment savings) as opposed to the proceeds of illegitimate behaviour.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £305k and identified one round the corner in Hurst Green I like with a park and station nearby, the downside is that it only has 49 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Hurst Green in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a short lease?

If you need a home loan the shortness of the lease will likely be problematic. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least 2 years you could ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

How do I use your search facility to choose a conveyancing solicitor in Hurst Green on the authorised to act for my bank?

1st choose a mortgage company such as Lloyds TSB Bank, Virgin Money or TSB then type in your preferred area a common one being Hurst Green. Conveyancing firms in Hurst Green and across England and Wales should be shown.

I need to instruct a conveyancing practitioner in Hurst Green for my home move. Is there any facility to review a solicitor's record with the legal regulator?

Members of the public can see presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from inquisitions commenced on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may recorded call for training requirements.

Last August I purchased a leasehold house in Hurst Green. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to my ownership?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Leasehold Conveyancing in Hurst Green - Examples of Queries before buying

Does this lease have in excess of 82 years remaining? Most Hurst Green leasehold flats will have a service bill for maintenance of the building invoiced on behalf of the freeholder. Where you buy the flat you will have to meet this contribution, normally quarterly during the year. This may be anything from a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large common areas. In all likelihood there will be a ground rent to be met yearly, ordinarily this is not a exorbitant amount, say around £50-£100 but you should to enquire it because sometimes it can be many hundreds of pounds. Be sure to find out if the the lease includes any unreasonable restrictions in the lease. For instance it is fairly common in Hurst Green leases that pets are not permitted in in a block in Hurst Green. If you love the flatin Hurst Green however your cat is not allowed to live with you then you have a very hard decision.