I require conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (seven years old) in Seascale. Almost all the properties have already been sold. Is it really necessary to order neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Seascale?

You would be opening yourself up to an unnecessary risk in failing carrying out Seascale conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would seriously advise in no uncertain terms that your lawyer conducts them. Where accelerating the process and price are top of your issues you should discuss with your conveyancer about the options such as contingency insurance available to you

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Seascale? What am I being asked for?

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

Conveyancing clients are required to provide two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (usually a Bank Statement no more than three months).

Confirmation of the origin of funds is also required under the money laundering regulations as solicitors are mandated to check that the funds you are using to acquire a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase price where you are buying without a mortgage) has come from a reputable source (such as employment savings) and is not the proceeds of criminal activity.

I need some fast conveyancing in Seascale as I have pressure to sign on the dotted line inside one month. Fortunately I do not need a mortgage. Can I avoid the conveyancing searches to save fees and time?

If.Given you are are a mortgage free purchaser you have the choice not to have searches carried out although no law firm would advise that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in Seascale the following are examples of issues that can show up and adversely affect future mortgageability: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Fees, Overdue Grants, Unadopted Roads,...

How does conveyancing in Seascale differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Seascale come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because new home sellers in Seascale tend to acquire 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 used to new build conveyancing in Seascale or who has acted in the same development.

My father-in-law has suggested that I appoint his conveyancers in Seascale. Do I take his recommendation?

There are no two ways about it it’s preferable to find a conveyancing solicitor is to get referrals from friends or family who have used the solicitor you're contemplating using.