We decided to go with a local solicitor for my conveyancing in Weymouth last week. Looking through the official terms of business I seeI am liable for fees even if the dealfalls through. Should I go with them or appoint an on-line lawyer promoting no completion no cost conveyancing in Weymouth?
It is usually a trade off in that if "No Completion No Fee" is available then the conveyancing charges will generally be uplifted to neutralise those cases that do not proceed. You should be mindful that these offerings rarely cover disbursements for instance Weymouth conveyancing search costs.
I am purchasing a brand new duplex in Weymouth and my conveyancer is telling me that she is duty bound to the mortgage company to reveal incentives from the developer. I am under pressure to exchange contracts and my preference is not to prolong matters. Is my lawyer right?
You should not exchange unless you have been advised to do so by your lawyer. A precondition to being on a bank panel is to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. The CML Conveyancing Handbook requires that your lawyer have the appropriate Disclosure of Incentive form completed by the developer and accepted by your lender.
I purchased a freehold premises in Weymouth yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Weymouth and has limited impact for conveyancing in Weymouth but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be extinguished.
Should our conveyancer be raising enquiries regarding flooding as part of the conveyancing in Weymouth.
Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Weymouth. There are those who buy a property in Weymouth, fully expectant that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, leaving to one side the physical destruction, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or sell the premises. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.
Conveyancers are not qualified to impart advice on flood risk, however there are a number of checks that may be carried out by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better appreciation of the risks in Weymouth. The conventional set of information given to a buyer’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a usual inquiry of the seller to determine if the property has suffered from flooding. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not revealed by the vendor, then a purchaser may commence a compensation claim resulting from an misleading reply. A purchaser’s lawyers may also order an environmental search. This should indicate if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations will need to be initiated.
I used Wolstenholmes a few years ago for my conveyancing in Weymouth. I now require my file but the law firm has closed. What do I do?
Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Weymouth of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
I am considering using an online property lawyer as opposed to a Weymouth conveyancing firm. Any advice?
Advantages do exist in having the option pop in to a local Weymouth conveyancing solicitor for instance
- signing documents same day
- getting one on one explanations of things that you need help with
- the ability to raise concerns if matters need to addressed
When comparing quotes, look out for hidden extras. The majority decent Weymouth high street solicitors give an all-inclusive figure. Many online agents appear to offer low cost prices, yet have hidden 'extras' in the small print.