Please could you suggest a Clydesdale accepted Richmond conveyancing lawyer who can have us moved in within under 3 weeks? Would it be better to use a high street Richmond practice or a web based firm?

We would be happy to suggest some excellent Richmond conveyancing firms. Another option is to visit the main road in Richmond. Go in to two or three firms and ask to speak with a conveyancing solicitor for a costs illustration. Explain your deadline together with your reasons and get an assurance on speed. Appoint the one that appears most efficient.

We are aiming to move house in November. Will my conveyancing solicitor update the removal company on the completion day. Incidentally, can you suggest a removal company in Richmond. Conveyancing solicitor was chosen prior to coming across your page.

On the afternoon of completion you can collect the keys from your estate agent but this can only take place once the sellers conveyancers advise the agent that the monies to complete are in and the keys can be collected. Subsequently you should advise the removal company that you are ready to move in. We are not in a position to recommend a specific removal company but can help you locate a residential property solicitor in Richmond or a legal practice with expertise in conveyancing in Richmond.

Is it the case that all Richmond CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Principality conveyancing panel?

It is true that some banks and building societies now utilise the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their approved list of firms.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Richmond off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Coventry BS. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Coventry BS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Richmond?

Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the process of conveyancing in Richmond. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

How does conveyancing in Richmond differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Richmond come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because house builders in Richmond tend to acquire the real estate, 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 Richmond or who has acted in the same development.

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Richmond conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Richmond conveyancing firm) it is imperative that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you make enquires with several firms including non Richmond conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Richmond who can give a testimonial? How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Richmond - A selection of Questions you should ask before buying

What prohibitions are contained in the Richmond Lease? Generally speaking the cost for major works are not incorporated into the service charges, albeit that there some managing agents in Richmond obliged leaseholders to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major works. Where a Richmond lease has fewer than eighty years it will affect the value of the flat. Check with your lender that they are willing to lend given the lease term. Leases with less than 80 years remaining means that you will most likely require a lease extension sooner rather than later and you need to have some idea of how much this would cost. For most Richmondlease extensions you will need to own the property for 24 months in order to be eligible to extend the lease.