In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Saltdean? Is this really necessary?

In order to comply with Money Laundering Regulations any Saltdean conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing matters. This is usually satisfied by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility bill evidencing where you live.

Under Money Laundering Regulations, conveyancing solicitors are obliged by law to investigate not simply the identity of conveyancing clients but also the origin of monies that they receive in respect of any matter. An unwillingness to disclose this may lead to your conveyancer terminating their retainer with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.

Your conveyancers are duty bound to inform the relevant authorities should they consider that any monies received by them may contravene the Money Laundering Regulations.

If you had a top tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Saltdean what would it be?

We would encourage you not to base your choice on the lowest Saltdean conveyancing fees. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.

When it comes to lenders such as Skipton, do Saltdean conveyancers face a fee to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are unaware of any lender fees to register on their list of approved firms, although some do levy an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.

I recently had an offer accepted on an apartment in Saltdean. My mortgage broker suggested a lawyer. I paid an advanced payment of £225. A couple of days later, the conveyancer contacted me embarrassingly acknowledging that they were not on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?

You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Bank of Ireland panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Saltdean is where the house is located. Can you offer any advice?

Flying freeholds in Saltdean are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Saltdean you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Saltdean may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

I'm refinancing my primary home to a buy to let loan with Bank of Ireland and I will use the ballance of the raised equity as a down payment on another property. The area we are talking about is Saltdean. Will your lawyers be able to act for the two mortgage companies and link together the two deals?

Do use our search tool on this site to be sure that the solicitors are approved by both banks. On the basis that they are your conveyancer should be able to connect the two deals but you should talk with you lawyer and communicate your desired outcome and requirements.

I have recently realised that I have 72 years unexpired on my lease in Saltdean. I now want to extend my lease but my freeholder is absent. What options are available to me?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the magistrate. You will be obliged to prove that you have done all that could be expected to find the freeholder. In some cases an enquiry agent may be helpful to carry out a search and to produce an expert document to be accepted by the court as proof that the freeholder can not be located. It is advisable to get professional help from a solicitor both on proving the landlord’s disappearance and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing Saltdean.

I acquired a split level flat in Saltdean, conveyancing having been completed May 2002. Can you let me have an estimate of the premium that my landlord can legally expect in return for granting a renewal of my lease? Corresponding flats in Saltdean with a long lease are worth £201,000. The ground rent is £45 levied per year. The lease ends on 21st October 2088

With just 64 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to range between £15,200 and £17,600 as well as legals.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to supply a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed investigations. Do not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.