Last September we completed a house move in Balham. We have since encountered a number of issues with the property which we suspect were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? What searches should? have been ordered for conveyancing in Balham?

It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are relate to conveyancing in Balham. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken as part of the legal transfer of property are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor answers a form called a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers is inaccurate, you may have a misrepresentation claim against the vendor for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Balham.

Should our solicitor be raising enquiries regarding flooding during the conveyancing in Balham.

Flooding is a growing risk for conveyancers conducting conveyancing in Balham. There are those who acquire a house in Balham, fully expectant that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical destruction, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or dispose of the premises. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Solicitors are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a number of checks that can be undertaken by the purchaser or by their lawyers which will give them a better appreciation of the risks in Balham. The conventional set of completed inquiry forms given to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard question of the owner to find out whether the property has ever been flooded. In the event that the residence has been flooded in past which is not notified by the owner, then a purchaser could bring a compensation claim as a result of such an incorrect reply. The buyer’s lawyers will also conduct an environmental search. This will disclose if there is any known flood risk. If so, more detailed investigations will need to be initiated.

I'm purchasing a new build house in Balham with a loan from HSBC Bank. The sellers would not reduce the amount so I negotiated £7000 of additionals instead. The sale representative suggested that I not inform my solicitor about this deal as it may adversely affect my mortgage with the lender. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

In scouring the internet for the phrase cheap conveyancing in Balham it reveals numerous conveyancersin the area. How do I determine which is the suitable property lawyer for me?

The ideal way of choosing the right conveyancer is through a trusted testimonial, so ask colleagues and those you trust who have purchased a property in Balham or a local estate agent or financial adviser. Charges for conveyancing in Balham vary, so it's advisable to obtain at least four fee estimates from different property lawyers. Make sure that you clarify what costs in the quote includes.

Why is New Build conveyancing in Balham more expensive?

Conveyancing in Balham for newly converted or new build homes usually involve adoption of highways & drains, building regulations approval, planning permission, new build warranties such NHBC as well as supplemental questions and contractual considerations.