In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Highgate? Is this really warranted?
Highgate conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have a duty under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the identity of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients will need to disclose two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Utility Bill no older than three months).
Proof of source of funds is also necessary under the money laundering regulations as solicitors are duty bound to investigate that the funds you are utilising to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase amount if you are buying without a mortgage) has originated from legitimate source (such as an inheritance) as opposed to the product of illegitimate behaviour.
I am buying a garden flat in Highgate. Conveyancing solicitors are said to be ‘a necessary evil’ but can I do it myself?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Highgate you will have to appoint a solicitor on your lender's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Highgate.
When it comes to lenders such as HSBC, do Highgate solicitors have to pay a fee to be on the conveyancing panel?
We are unaware of any bank fees to be on their list of approved firms, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
How can we know in advance if a Highgate conveyancing solicitor on the Skipton panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Highgate getting recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always suggest that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your conveyancing.
After shopping around on the internet I have found a Highgate conveyancer having made sure that they are on the Skipton conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
Skipton will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Skipton 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 lawyer 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 Highgate postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Skipton, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Highgate.
I have recentlyfound out that Wolstenholmes have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Highgate for a purchase of a leasehold apartment 18 months ago. How can I check that my home is in my name in the name of the previous owner?
The quickest way to see if the property is in your name, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Highgate conveyancing specialists.
I have been on the look out for a ground for flat up to £235,500 and identified one round the corner in Highgate I like with a park and railway links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 49 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Highgate suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a short lease?
Should you need a mortgage that many years will be a potential deal breaker. Discount the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor concerning this.
I am 18 days into a residential purchase having been directed to solicitors by the local agent to handle our conveyancing in Highgate. I am am very frustrated with the level of service. Could you you assist me in finding new lawyers?
They would have to be really poor to suggest diss instructing them. Has the loan offer been generated? In the event that it has you must advise them of the new contact details and have the loan are issued to the new lawyers. The solicitor ideally should be on the banks panel to avoid supplemental expenses and complications. So that should be your starting point. Our find a solicitor tool should help you find a lender approved solicitor for your home move in Highgate