I am buying a flat and need a conveyancing solicitor in Hitchin who is on the Chelsea Building Society approved. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Chelsea Building Society in certain locations such as Hitchin. We dont recommend any particular firm.
We are purchasing a terrace house in Hitchin. We would like to carry out an extension to the side at the property.Will legal work on the property include enquiries to ascertain if these alterations are allowed?
Your property lawyer should check the deeds as conveyancing in Hitchin will on occasion identify restrictions in the title documents which prevent certain alterations or necessitated the consent of a 3rd party. Many works need local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Some areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or impact extensions. It would be sensible to check these issues with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.
Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Lloyds. Hitchin conveyancing practitioners are selected. How long does it take for Lloyds to issue the offer to the property lawyer?
There is no definitive answer here. Have Lloyds conducted the valuation? Have you advised Lloyds as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Lloyds conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Hitchin. I have a mortgage offer with HSBC. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with HSBC, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
Various internet forums that I have come across warn that are the number one cause of delay in Hitchin house deals. Is this right?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published conclusions of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature within the common causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Searches are unlikely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Hitchin.
How does conveyancing in Hitchin differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Hitchin contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because house builders in Hitchin 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Hitchin or who has acted in the same development.
I am downsizing from my house. My past conveyancers has retired. It would be helpful to have a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Hitchin if that makes a difference.
Do use our search tool to help you find a solicitor for your conveyancing in Hitchin. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with regulated solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs smoothly.
Last October I purchased a leasehold flat in Hitchin. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before my ownership?
In a situation where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.
If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).
Leasehold Conveyancing in Hitchin - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to buying
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How much is the ground rent and service charge? Is there a share of the freehold? Who takes charge for maintaining and repairing the block?