In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Freshwater? Why is this being asked of me?

You are right in the requirement set out by your solicitor has nothing to do with conveyancing in Freshwater. However these days you can not proceed with any conveyancing deal without first providing proof of your identity. This usually takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a council tax bill. Please note that if you are supplying your driving licence as proof of ID it needs to be both the paper element and photo card part, one is not sufficient without the other.

Evidence of your origin of funds is required under Money Laundering Regulations. Don’t be offended when you are asked to produce this as your conveyancer will need to have this information on file. Your Freshwater conveyancing lawyer will need to see evidence of proof of funds prior to accepting any funds from you into their client account and they will also ask further queries concerning the source of funds.

What does a local search inform me concerning the house I am buying in Freshwater?

Freshwater conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for example Xpress Legal The local search is essential in every Freshwater conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your property. The search should reveal data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant 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 areas.

I decided to have a survey carried out on a house in Freshwater prior to appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. Our surveyor has said that some banks may not issue a loan on a flying freehold house.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements from Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can check via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Freshwater. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

As co-executor for the will of my aunt I am selling a house in Monmouth but I am based in Freshwater. My solicitor (approximately 200 miles from merequires that I execute a statutory declaration ahead of completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing practitioner in Freshwater who can witness this legal document for me?

strictly speaking you are not likely to be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily or notary public or solicitor will do regardless of whether they are Freshwater based

I'm buying a flat in Freshwater. I can find my conveyancer's company on the Law Society's list, but I can't see my lawyer's name on the list. Is this a big problem?

Not every individual in the law firm must be listed by the regulator. Provided there is a manager qualified to 'oversee' the work, the actual day-to-day activity can be conducted by unqualified staff.