We note that you have a post code search directory listing law firms on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. Do companies pay you a commission if I instruct them for our own conveyancing in Redland?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Redland.
My partner and I are downsizing from our house in Redland and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. Any high street Redland lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the purchasers are using a web based conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Redland. Having lived in Redland for 5 years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that there is no issue.
It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same sickness)
I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Redland ahead of retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders will not issue a loan on a flying freehold house.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements for example to Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can investigate further via the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Redland. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
We're new to the buying process - had an offer accepted, but the agent told us that the owners will only issue a contract if we instruct their preferred solicitors as they want a ‘quick sale’. Our preferred option is to instruct a local solicitor with experience of conveyancing in Redland
We suspect that the owner is not behind this request. Should the vendor want ‘a quick sale', turning down a serious buyer is likely to cause more damage than good. Speak to the vendors direct and make sure they comprehend that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are ready to progress, with finances arranged © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)but you will continue to appoint your preferred Redland conveyancing solicitors - not the ones that will give the negotiator at the agency a referral fee or achieve conveyancing thresholds demanded by head office.
Last November I purchased a leasehold flat in Redland. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to 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).
I invested in buying a split level flat in Redland, conveyancing formalities finalised September 1999. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Similar flats in Redland with a long lease are worth £185,000. The ground rent is £65 yearly. The lease ceases on 21st October 2086
With just 60 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to range between £20,000 and £23,000 as well as professional fees.
The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs without more detailed investigations. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you move forward placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.
How and when do I pay the Stamp Duty Land Tax payable for my Redland property purchase?
Your lawyer should fill out a stamp duty return for you during your Redland purchase transaction for you to sign. On completion your solicitor will submit your STL Return Form to the Tax Authorities and - assuming they have the funds - pay any tax bill payable on your behalf.