Our Colney Hatch conveyancer has discovered a difference when comparing the information in the valuation report and what is revealed within the title deeds. My lawyer says that he must ensure that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is content to go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s stance legitimate?
Your conveyancer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Colney Hatch? What am I being asked for?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering regulations 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 Terms of Engagement that you are required to sign will no doubt confirm this. Your lender will also require certain documents to be viewed. Where you are unwilling to supply ID verification documents, your conveyancer would not be able to act for you.
I am in the process of refinancing my home in Colney Hatch, does my lawyer have to be on the Co-operative Conveyancing panel?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Co-operative conveyancing panel, but Co-operative would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.
My stepmother informed me that in buying a property in Colney Hatch there may be various restrictions preventing external alterations to the property. Is this right?
We are aware of a number of properties in Colney Hatch which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to execute external alterations. Part of the conveyancing in Colney Hatch should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
My husband and I have arranged a further advance on our home loan from Nationwide as we intend to conduct a loft conversion to our property in Colney Hatch. Do we need to appoint a high street Colney Hatch solicitor on the Nationwide conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?
Nationwide would not normally require firms on their conveyancing panel to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Nationwide panel.
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 Colney Hatch solicitor - who is on the UBS conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
UBS will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually UBS 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 solicitor 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 Colney Hatch postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with UBS, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Colney Hatch.
What does a local search reveal about the house I am buying in Colney Hatch?
Colney Hatch conveyancing often starts with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company such as Xpress Legal The local search is essential in every Colney Hatch conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any unpleasant surprises after you move into your property. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject areas.
What does commercial conveyancing in Colney Hatch cover?
Colney Hatch conveyancing for business premises incorporates a broad array of guidance, offered by qualified solicitors, relating to business property. For example, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more usually, the transfer of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial mortgages and the termination of tenancies.