My partner and I have recently bought a property in Storrington. We have since encountered a number of issues with the house which we suspect were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been carried out for conveyancing in Storrington?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Storrington. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller fills in a document known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers provided is misleading, 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 Storrington.

I purchased my house on 9 May and my personal details is not yet registered. Any reason for this? My conveyancing solicitor in Storrington said it would be registered in a couple of weeks. Are titles in Storrington uniquely lengthy to register?

There is nothing unique when it comes to conveyancing in Storrington registration formalities. Rather than based on location, timescales can differ depending on the party submitting the application, whether it is in order and if the Land registry communicate with any third persons or bodies. Currently in the region of three quarters of such applications are fully addressed within two weeks but some can be subject to longer delays. Historically registration takes place once the buyer has moved in to the premises thus an expedited registration is not typically an essential issue but where it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your solicitor should contact the land registry and explain the circumstances.

I have been pointed in your direction by three or four local selling agents in Storrington to choose a conveyancer on your site. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to recommend your site ahead of a competitor’s?

We don’t offer any referral fee for directing people to this site. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission because home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it all the more appealing. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Storrington. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Storrington are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Storrington so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Storrington conveyancing practitioner and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will appraise you on the various issues.

Storrington Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

What is the the remaining lease term? Best to be warned if fixing the lift or some other significant cost is anticipated to be shared amongst the leaseholders and could well dramatically increase the the service charges or require a one time invoice. The prefered form of lease arrangement is a share of the freehold. In this scenario the leaseholders enjoy control and notwithstanding that a managing agent is frequently retained where it is bigger than a house conversion, the managing agent is directed by the tenants.

What can I do where I am unhappy with the solicitor who conducted my conveyancing in Storrington?

Occasionally the level of service you receive is not as you expect, and unfortunately occasionally matters do not go as planned. That being said there is recourse if you were dissatisfied with your conveyancing in Storrington. This varies from trying to resolve matters directly with them, through to reporting a solicitor to their governing body. If you remain aggrieved you may consider enlisting the help of the Legal Ombudsman.