We're in Sittingbourne, First timers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is , and our lawyer is on the conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

I am assisting my sister sell her property in Sittingbourne. Does the conveyancer commission an EPC or should I organise this?

After the abolition of HIPs, energy assessments became a mandatory component of selling a house. An EPC must be to hand in advance of the property being advertised. It is not a task that conveyancers normally organise. If you are using a Sittingbourne conveyancing practitioner they might be willing to arrange energy performance certificates given their contacts with reputable Sittingbourne assessors

Can I be sure that the Sittingbourne conveyancing solicitor on the panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Sittingbourne seeking recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the lawyer handling your transaction.

Having read lots of mortgage guides, I note that it is considered advisable to get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Sittingbourne solicitor - who is on the conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?

will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Sittingbourne postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with , you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Sittingbourne.

Will commercial conveyancing searches reveal proposed roadworks that could affect a commercial site in Sittingbourne?

Many commercial conveyancing solicitors in Sittingbourne will order a SiteSolutions Highways report as it dramatically cuts the time that conveyancers invest in sourcing accurate data on highways that impact buildings and development assets in Sittingbourne. The search result sets out definitive data on the adoption status of roads, footpaths and verges, as well as the implication of traffic schemes and the rights of way surrounding a commercial development sites in Sittingbourne.

For every commercial conveyancing transaction in Sittingbourne it is critical to investigate the adoption status of roads surrounding a site. Failure to identify developments where adoption procedures have not been dealt with adequately may result in delays to Sittingbourne commercial conveyancing deals as well as pose a risk to future intentions for the site. These searches are not carried out for domestic conveyancing in Sittingbourne.

I am buying a new build apartment in Sittingbourne. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Sittingbourne

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents.

I'm refinancing my current home to a buy to let mortgage with and intend to use the remaining equity as a deposit on another house. The location we are looking at is Sittingbourne. Will your lawyers be able to act for both sets of mortgage companies and link together the conveyances?

Do use our comparison tool on this site to ensure that the solicitors are approved by both mortgage companies. Having checked that they are your solicitor should be able to tie up the two conveyancing matters but you should talk with you conveyancer and communicate your desired outcome and needs.