Last December we completed a house move in Rotherhithe. We have noticed several issues with the house which we consider were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Rotherhithe?
It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are relate to conveyancing in Rotherhithe. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, the vendor fills in a questionnaire called a SPIF. answers provided is inaccurate, then you may have a 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 Rotherhithe.
A colleague recommended that where I am buying in Rotherhithe I should ask my conveyancer to perform a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?
This is a search is sometimes included in the estimate for your Rotherhithe conveyancing searches. It is a large document of more than thirty pages, listing and detailing important information about Rotherhithe around the property and the people living there. It incorporates an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Rotherhithe Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime statistics, Rotherhithe Education with maps and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data regarding Rotherhithe.
How does conveyancing in Rotherhithe differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Rotherhithe approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because house builders in Rotherhithe tend to acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Rotherhithe or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Rotherhithe ahead of instructing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks will not give a loan on this type of house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different requirements from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Rotherhithe. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Rotherhithe to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
My father has urged me to use his conveyancing solicitors in Rotherhithe. Should I use them?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Rotherhithe conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to seek feedback from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the solicitor that you are contemplating using.