We are intent on selling our house in Taunton and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being constructed land that was not decontaminated. A high street Taunton conveyancer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers instructed a national conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Taunton. We have lived in Taunton for six years we know that this is a non issue. Do we contact our local Authority to obtain confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You should enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

I used Wolstenholmes a few years ago for my conveyancing in Taunton. I now require my file but cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Taunton of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

My company is looking to lease a unit on the high street. Can you recommend conveyancers offering fixed costs for non-domestic conveyancing in Taunton for less than 1500k?

We are happy to recommend firms who host a wealth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Taunton, including the disposal and acquisition of businesses as well as simply property. If you are hoping to acquire or sell a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail unit or a complete business we can put you in touch with the right firm. Regarding the fees these will vary based on the structure and heads of terms of the deal. Please provide us with your contact information or telephone so as to enable us to furnish you with comprehensive commercial conveyancing quote.

I am looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Taunton for my purchase. Can I check a firm’s record with the legal regulator?

Anyone can search for documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes monitor call for training requirements.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently found out that the title is leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns buying a leasehold house in Taunton. Conveyancing advisers have are about to be appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Taunton are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are purchasing in Taunton in which case you should be shopping around for a Taunton conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor will advise you fully on all the issues.

Taunton Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries before buying

For most Taunton leaseholds the cost for major works tend not to be included within maintenance charges, albeit that a few managing agents in Taunton obliged leasehold owners to pay into a sinking fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for larger repairs or maintenance. What is the service charge and ground rent on the flat? Is the freehold owned collectively by the tenants?