What is the best way to search for the right solicitor who will provide a quality service for our conveyancing in Portland?

Option 1 is to ask the people you trust who they would recommend.

Option 2 is to use a search tool on the internet for conveyancing in Portland. Telephone a couple or more firms listed and request that they email you their conveyancing charges and discuss your needs with the solicitor who will conduct your conveyancing beforemaking your decision.

Option 3 is to make use of this site to assist you in finding the right solicitors for you based on your personal factors including the type of property,deadlines, complications and who the proposed mortgage company is. Don't take the bait of £99 conveyancing in Portland

I am need of leasehold conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (6 years old) in Portland. Almost all the properties have already been disposed of. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Portland?

You would be putting yourself at risk in failing carrying out Portland conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying mortgage free there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would seriously advise in the strongest possible terms that your solicitor conducts them. If timings and expenses are top of your issues you should consider with your conveyancer about the options such as lack of search insurance available to you

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

If you are buying a property in Portland your lawyer will request that you to provide them with funds to cover the search fees. Normally this is asked for to cover the fees of the Local Authority Search. When the down payment is as part of the total price then this should be needed immediately before exchange of contracts. The closing balance that is due should be sent to your lawyer a couple of days ahead of the completion date.

We are buying a detached bungalow in Portland. We would like to carry out a loft conversion at the property.Will legal work on the property include enquiries to determine if these works are allowed?

Your solicitor should check the registered title as conveyancing in Portland can occasionally identify restrictions in the title documents which prevent categories of changes or need the permission of a 3rd party. Some additions require local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Some locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be prudent to check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

Can I be sure that the Portland conveyancing solicitor on the Nationwide panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Portland seeking recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advise that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your conveyancing.

I was told three weeks ago that my mortgage has been agreed to by Skipton. Is it usual for Skipton to only issue the offer once my solicitor in Portland is approved on their conveyancing panel? Skipton have asked my solicitor to see a copy of their Professional Indemnity Insurance Schedule.

Mortgage companies tend not to not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Skipton to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Skipton conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

Why do I have to supply my conveyancing practitioner with various items of identification ahead of starting my conveyancing in Portland?

Portland conveyancers are obliged by the Law Society, SRA, the Land Registry and current Money Laundering Regulations to certify that the have verified the identity of their clients. It will also be a requirement of your bank where you are taking a mortgage. Furthermore they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to Land Tax and need to have information such as your full names, NI number and date of birth.