In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Stafford? Is this really necessary?

Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to check the identification documents of the person or body they are dealing with prior to agreeing to accepting their conveyancing instruction. The Client Care letter that you need to sign should stipulate this. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with the CML Lenders Handbook requirements last updated on 1st December 2014. If you are unwilling to hand over identification documents, your solicitor can not take you on as a client.

I note that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I need this when purchasing a property in Stafford? or Apparently there is historic law that could mean that owners of property living in a parish church boundary may be liable to contribute towards repairs to the chancel in proximity to the church. Is this a legitimate concern for conveyancing in Stafford?

Unless a prior acquisition of the property took place post 12 October 2013 you may assume that lawyers delivering conveyancing in Stafford to remain recommending a chancel search and or chancel repair liability insurance.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified during conveyancing in Stafford?

Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the process of conveyancing in Stafford. 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 Stafford differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Stafford come to us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because developers in Stafford usually purchase 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 used to new build conveyancing in Stafford or who has acted in the same development.

Back In 2001, I bought a leasehold flat in Stafford. Conveyancing and Britannia mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone saying they have taken over the freehold. Attached was a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1998. The conveyancing solicitor in Stafford who previously acted has long since retired. Any advice?

The first thing you should do is make enquiries of the Land Registry to make sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. There is no need to incur the fees of a Stafford conveyancing firm to do this as you can do this on the Land Registry website for less than a fiver. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Stafford - Sample of Questions you should ask before Purchasing

What is the yearly service fee and ground rent? How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments? Be sure to enquire if there are any onerous restrictions in the lease. By way of example it is reasonably common in Stafford leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Stafford. If you like the apartmentin Stafford yet your dog is not allowed to move with you then you will be faced difficult determination.