Why do I have to pay up front for conveyancing in Canton?

If you are buying a property in Canton your solicitor will request that you put them with funds to cover the search fees. This will be the total of the cost of the conveyancing searches. When the down payment is as part of the sale price then this should be asked for shortly ahead of contracts are exchanged. The closing balance that is due should be transferred a couple of days prior to the completion date.

What does a local search inform me regarding the house we're buying in Canton?

Canton conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company such as Searches UK The local search is essential in every Canton conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search will reveal data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (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 thirteen subject headings.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Canton prior to appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend refuse to issue a loan on a flying freehold property.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you contact us we can look into this further via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Canton. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Canton especially if they are accustomed to such properties in Canton.

My cousin has urged me to appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Canton. Do I take his guidance?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Canton conveyancing lawyer the best way to choose a conveyancing lawyer is to have feedback from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the firm you're contemplating using.

I've recently bought a leasehold property in Canton. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before my ownership?

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. Strange as it may seem, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure 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).

Canton Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should ask before buying

Is anyone aware of any major works anticipated that will likely increase the maintenance charges? This information is important as a) areas may cause problems in the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate where maintenance remain unpaid b) if the tenants have an issue with the managing agents you will wish to know about it How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments?