I am considering applying for a Coventry BS mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Maze Hill with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Coventry BS ?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Coventry BS will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

A relative recommended that if I am buying in Maze Hill I should ask my conveyancer to carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. What does it cover?

This is a search is sometimes included in the estimate for your Maze Hill conveyancing searches. It is a large report of more than thirty pages, listing and setting out important information about Maze Hill around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Maze Hill Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average Property Price, Crime statistics, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful information concerning Maze Hill.

How does conveyancing in Maze Hill differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Maze Hill come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because house builders in Maze Hill typically acquire the land, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Maze Hill or who has acted in the same development.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a ground for flat up to £305k and found one close by in Maze Hill I like with open areas and station in the vicinity, however it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Maze Hill suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a short lease?

Should you require a mortgage that many years may be problematic. Discount the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for at least twenty four months you can ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

What should I expect to pay for conveyancing in Maze Hill?

The total sum levied for Maze Hill conveyancing fees may differ dramatically from lawyer to lawyer. This makes it all the more important that you find this out when you first choose a lawyer. It is advisable to find a couple like for like quotes.