Do all mortgage companies provide you with an approved list of Southampton conveyancing solicitors? How do you know who is on the RBS conveyancing panel?
Southampton conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the RBS conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from RBS directly.
What does a local search tell me about the house I am purchasing in Southampton?
Southampton conveyancing often starts with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations such as Xpress Legal The local search is essential in every Southampton conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (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 13 subject headings.
I have a 4 bedroom Edwardian house in Southampton. Conveyancing lawyer represented me and Britannia. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold with the matching address. Is it worth asking Britannia to clarify?
You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Southampton and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also enquire as to the situation with your conveyancing solicitor who conducted the purchase.
How does conveyancing in Southampton differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Southampton come to us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because developers in Southampton typically acquire 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 conveyancers 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 Southampton or who has acted in the same development.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Southampton is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Southampton are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Southampton you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Southampton may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.
I am using a search engine for the words on line conveyancing in Southampton it shows results of numerous solicitorsin the vicinity. How do I determine which is the suitable conveyancer for the sale of my house?
The ideal method of finding the right conveyancer is via personal testimonial, so enquire of colleagues and relatives who have purchased a property in Southampton or a local estate agent or financial adviser. Costs for conveyancing in Southampton vary, so it's sensible to request at least four fee estimates from varying types of solicitors. Dont forget to clarify that the fees are fixed.