Are the BSA planning on creating a search tool with a view to to identify solicitors on the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society conveyancing panel for example in Prestwich?

We would not expect to be advised of any plans on the part of the BSA to develop such a register.

What will a local search inform me about the house my wife and I purchasing in Prestwich?

Prestwich conveyancing often commences with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example Onsearch The local search is essential in every Prestwich conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search should reveal 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 13 subject areas.

How does conveyancing in Prestwich differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Prestwich come to us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because developers in Prestwich usually buy the site, 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Prestwich or who has acted in the same development.

I have been advised by a couple of local selling agents in Prestwich to find a property lawyer using your seach tool. What’s the financial advantage for Estate Agents to promote your services over a competitor’s?

We don’t give any commission for directing people to this site. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as a client could think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.

I've found a house that seems to be perfect, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just found out that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Prestwich. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the implications of buying a leasehold house in Prestwich ?

Most houses in Prestwich are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are purchasing in Prestwich in which case you should be shopping around for a Prestwich conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your conveyancer should report to you on the legal implications.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Prestwich - Examples of Queries Prior to buying

Does the lease have onerous restrictions? Generally speaking the cost for major works are not included within maintenance charges, although a few managing agents in Prestwich ask tenants to pay into a reserve fund created for the specific intention of establishing a fund for major works. How much is the ground rent and service charge?