I can't travel far from Petworth. What is the rationale as to why all Petworth conveyancing practitioners are not on all mortgage company panels?

Lenders point to the fact that solicitor-led fraud is thought to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud annually.The elimination of law firms from lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the FSA in 2011. Its conclusions included recommendations for lenders to review their conveyancing panels, which kicked off a major policy change in the sector. It resulted in lenders culling a number of firms from their official list of approved lawyers .

We see that you have a post code search directory identifying firms on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I retain them for our own conveyancing in Petworth?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Petworth.

I have been recommended a conveyancing solicitor in Petworth. I I am struggling to find out whether they are on the Barclays Direct conveyancing panel. Could you assist?

You should e-mail your lawyer and enquire if they are on the lender panel. Alternatively you can get in touch with Barclays Direct who may be able to assist.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Petworth. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Petworth ?

The majority of houses in Petworth are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Petworth in which case you should be shopping around for a Petworth conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in transacting on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer should report to you on the legal implications.

Petworth Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries Prior to buying

It would be sensible to find out as much as you can concerning the company managing the block as they can either make living at the property much easier or uncomfortable. Being a leasehold owner you are often at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical issues such as the cleanliness of the common parts. Ask prospective neighbours whether they are happy with them. On a final note, investigate as to the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the appropriate party and specifically how they are spending that money. Be sure to investigate if the the lease contains any adverse restrictions in the lease. By way of example plenty of leases prohibit pets being permitted in in a block in Petworth. If you like the propertyin Petworth but your dog can’t make the move with you then you will be faced hard determination. For many Petworth leaseholds the cost for major works tend not to be included within service charges, although a few managing agents in Petworth obliged tenants to contribute towards a sinking fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance.

What can I do to find out who is the owner of a house in Petworth?

As long as the property is registered with the Land Registry, and you have requisite specifics of the location of the property, you will be able to obtain results from the HMLR of the recorded proprietor for a a minimal charge.