Due to move into my new home in Chelmsford next Friday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the bank. What does the insurance need to cover?
All property lawyers on acting for mortgage companies would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s Part 2 instructions. These obligations are not unique to conveyancing in Chelmsford.
Will our conveyancer be raising questions about flooding during the conveyancing in Chelmsford.
Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors carrying out conveyancing in Chelmsford. Some people will acquire a property in Chelmsford, fully aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, where a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable insurance cover, or dispose of the premises. There are steps that can be taken as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the purchaser.
Solicitors are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, however there are a various searches that can be carried out by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better appreciation of the risks in Chelmsford. The conventional set of information sent to a buyer’s solicitor (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a standard question of the vendor to determine if the premises has suffered from flooding. In the event that the residence has been flooded in past and is not notified by the owner, then a buyer may commence a legal claim for losses as a result of such an misleading answer. The buyer’s lawyers will also conduct an enviro report. This will reveal if there is any known flood risk. If so, more detailed inquiries will need to be carried out.
It has been five months following my purchase conveyancing in Chelmsford completed. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £170,000. Why the discrepancy?
The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the premises from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.
How does conveyancing in Chelmsford differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Chelmsford approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is ready to move into. This is because builders in Chelmsford usually purchase 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Chelmsford or who has acted in the same development.
I am using a search engine for the term conveyancing in Chelmsford it brings up numerous property lawyersin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right conveyancer for the sale of my house?
The best way of finding a suitable conveyancer is via trusted testimonial, so enquire of friends and relatives who have purchased a property in Chelmsford or the local estate agent or mortgage broker. Fees for conveyancing in Chelmsford vary, so it's sensible to secure a minimum of three estimates from varying types of solicitors. Make sure that you know that the fees are fixed.
My husband and I today discovered that one of the directors of the conveyancing practice acting on the purchase conveyancing in Chelmsford is an uncle of the owners that we are purchasing from. Is this allowed?
On the basis that no conflict arises this is permitted. If you are needing a home loan then the mortgage company may have a say as many banks have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Skipton Building Society as of 30/4/2025, the requirements read as follows :