The owners of the property we are purchasing have instructed a conveyancing firm in West Wittering who has insisted on a exclusivity contract with a payment 6,000. Is it wise to enter into such agreements?

There are a couple of main drawbacks with signing a lock out agreement (sometimes referred to as a no-shop agreement) is that it takes away the focus from moving forward with the conveyancing transaction itself, so unless it requires little or no negotiation then it could turn out to be unhelpful. It is not promoted amongst West Wittering conveyancing practitioners as a result. A supplemental issue is the extent of the remedies available - a jilted buyer is extremely unlikely to be issued with an injunction to stop the vendor completing the sale to a third party, so the only remedy open via the agreement will be the reimbursement of abortive charges and, in restricted situations, the extra payment of damages.

There is lots of information on this site about conveyancing in West Wittering but what is your top tip for choosing the right conveyancer in West Wittering

It would be unwise to be tempted by the cheapest West Wittering conveyancing costs illustration. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to property lawyers. 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.

This question may be naive but I am unseasoned as a 1st time buyer of a two bedroom flat in West Wittering. Do I receive the keys to the house on the completion date from my conveyancer? If so, I will instruct a local conveyancing solicitor in West Wittering?

On the day of completion you will not be required to attend the conveyancers office in West Wittering. Your solicitors will arrange to send the purchase money to the owner’s solicitors, and shortly after the monies have arrived, you will be invited to receive the keys from the property Agents and move into your new home. This tends to happen early afternoon.

is it true that all West Wittering solicitor practices on the HSBC conveyancing panel are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?

As solicitors, in order to be on the HSBC approved list of solicitors they would need to be regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Some lenders do allow licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such firms would be overseen by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

The deeds to my house can not be found. The solicitors who conducted the conveyancing in West Wittering 4 years ago are no longer around. What are my options?

As long as the title is registered the details of your ownership will be recorded by HMLR with a Title Number. It is possible to execute a search at the Land Registry, identify your house and order up to date copies of the Registered Entries for less than a fiver. If the property is Leasehold then the Land Registry will also normally retain a certified copy of the Registered Lease and again, a copy can be obtained for a small fee.

In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my commercial offices in West Wittering and how can you help?

The particular law that you refer to affords security of tenure to business leaseholders, granting the a statutory right to apply to court for a new tenancy and remain in occupation when the lease reaches an end. There are limited grounds where a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act to your advantage and assist with commercial conveyancing in West Wittering

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a house with a leasehold title in West Wittering. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in West Wittering are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in West Wittering in which case you should be looking for a West Wittering conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should advise you fully on all the issues.

West Wittering Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

Does the lease contain onerous restrictions? What is the name of the managing agents? Are there any major works in the planning that will likely add a premium to the maintenance costs?