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

Whitley Bay conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property lawyers throughout the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to verify the ID of any client with a view to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to supply two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (typically a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Confirmation of source of monies is also required under the money laundering laws as solicitors are obliged to investigate that the funds you are using to buy a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase amount if you are buying mortgage free) has come from an acceptable source (such as employment savings) and is not the product of illegitimate activity.

I am assisting my aunt sell her flat in Whitley Bay. Does the conveyancing solicitor order an energy assessment or it is for the seller to coordinate?

After the demise of HIPs, energy assessments remained a mandatory component of moving house. An energy assessment should be to hand in advance of the property being placed on the market. This is not a task that conveyancers normally arrange. If you are instructing a Whitley Bay conveyancing lawyer they might be willing to arrange energy performance certificates given their relationships with reputable local assessors

I currently have a mortgage with Nottingham for my property in Whitley Bay. Conveyancing was finalised 12 months ago. Should I wish to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a BTL mortgage or inform Nottingham?

Your original mortgage agreement with Nottingham will provide that you need their approval before renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Nottingham’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will permit you to let out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Nottingham directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Nottingham conveyancing panel solicitor.

About to purchase maisonette in Whitley Bay. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Building Society if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the HSBC conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.

They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Whitley Bay conveyancing practitioner is on the HSBC conveyancing panel.

I have a 4 bedroom Georgian house in Whitley Bay. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Alliance & Leicester . I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Whitley Bay and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also check the situation with your conveyancing solicitor who conducted the conveyancing.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Whitley Bay. 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.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Whitley Bay

There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. 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. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

I'm remortgaging my existing house to a BTL mortgage with TSB and intend to use the remaining equity towards a second house. The area we are looking at is Whitley Bay. Will your solicitors be able to act for both sets of lenders and tie in the transactions?

Make use of our search tool on this page to check that the solicitors are on the relevant lender panels. On the basis that they are your solicitor should be able to simultaneously deal with the two conveyancing matters but you should talk with you lawyer and make clear your desired outcome and requirements.