My brother and I have lately purchased a house in Godmanchester. We have since encountered a number of issues with the house which we suspect were omitted in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered for conveyancing in Godmanchester?

It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are relate to conveyancing in Godmanchester. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor completes a form referred to as a SPIF. answers ends up being incorrect, you may have a misrepresentation claim against the seller 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 Godmanchester.

Completed the sale of my flat in Godmanchester last September but the buyer keeps calling daily to moan that her lawyer is waiting to hear from mine. What are the post completion sale legalities now that I have sold?

Following your house sale your lawyer should forward the transfer deeds and all supplemental paperwork to the buyer’s conveyancer. Depending on the transaction, your solicitor must also confirm that the home loan has been discharged to the buyers lawyers. There is unlikely to be post completion procedures peculiar conveyancing in Godmanchester.

I moved into my home on 9 September and the transaction details is not yet on the land registry website. Any reason for this? My conveyancing solicitor in Godmanchester expressed confidence that it will be formalised in a couple of weeks. Are properties in Godmanchester particularly slow to register?

As far as conveyancing in Godmanchester registration is no faster or slower than the rest of the country. Rather than based on location, timescales can vary depending on the party submitting the application, whether there are errors and whether the Land registry need to notify any 3rd parties. As of today in the region of 80% of submission are completed within 12 days but some can be subject to extensive hold-ups. Registration takes place after the buyer is living at the property so 'speed' is not typically primary concern but where it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your lawyers can speak with the land registry and explain the circumstances.

Should I instruct a Godmanchester conveyancing practitioner who is local to the property I am purchasing? An old friend can conduct the legal work but they are based 400kilometers drive away.

The benefit of a high street Godmanchester conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, present your ID and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local intelligence which is a bonus. However it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who used your friend and in the main were content that must outweigh using an unknown Godmanchester conveyancing lawyer just because they are round the corner.

I am tempted by the attractive purchase price for a couple of maisonettes in Godmanchester which have in the region of fifty years left on the leases. Should I regard a short lease as a deal breaker?

A lease is a right to use the premises for a prescribed time frame. As a lease shortens the saleability of the lease deteriorates and results in it becoming more expensive to extend the lease. This is why it is generally wise to increase the term of the lease. More often than not it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease as mortgage lenders may be unwilling to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a protracted process. We recommend you seek professional assistance from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this arena.

Godmanchester Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Are there any major works in the planning that will likely add a premium to the service fees? How long is the Lease? The best form of lease structure is where the freehold title is owned by the leaseholders. In this arrangement the lessees have being in charge if their destiny and although a managing agent is frequently retained if it is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants.