Last April we completed a house move in Maidstone. We have noticed several issues with the property which we believe were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been carried out for conveyancing in Maidstone?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are specific to conveyancing in Maidstone. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller completes a questionnaire known as a SPIF. If the information turns out to be misleading, you could possibly take legal action against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Maidstone.

three months have gone by following my purchase conveyancing in Maidstone took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £200,000 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 premises 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.

My husband and I are novice buyers - agreed a price, but the selling agent has warned us that the owners will only issue a contract if we appoint their preferred solicitors as they need an ‘expedited deal’. My instinct tells me that we should use a local solicitor accustomed to conveyancing in Maidstone

We suspect that the owner is not behind this requirement. If they desire ‘a quick sale', alienating a serious purchaser is likely to cause more damage than good. Avoid the agents and go straight to the sellers and explain that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are excited to move forward, with mortgage lined up © you are unencumbered (d) you wish to move quickly (e)but you intend to use your preferred Maidstone conveyancing lawyers - as opposed tothe ones that will provide the negotiator at the agency a referral fee or meet his conveyancing thresholds demanded by HQ.

I am intending to rent out my leasehold apartment in Maidstone. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

A lease dictates the relationship between the landlord and you the leaseholder; in particular, it will indicate if subletting is prohibited, or permitted but only subject to certain caveats. The rule is that if the lease contains no expres ban or restriction, subletting is permitted. The majority of leases in Maidstone do not prevent subletting altogether – such a clause would undoubtedly devalue the flat. In most cases there is simply a requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a copy of the tenancy agreement.

Maidstone Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

You will want to find out as much as you can concerning the managing agents as they will impact your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are frequently in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to day to day issues such as the upkeep of the communal areas. Enquire of other tenants whether they are happy with them. In conclusion, find out the dates that the service charges are due to the managing agents and specifically what it includes. How is the lease structured? The answer will be important as a) areas may cause problems for the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate where services are not paid for b) if the tenants have a dispute with the managing agents you will wish to have complete disclosure

What is the distinction between surveying and conveyancing in Maidstone?

Conveyancing - in Maidstone or anywhere in England and Wales - is the process of legally transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It involves the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you are intending to buy and will help you discover the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you leverage for negotiating the buying price down or asking the seller to remedy the defects prior to you move in.