In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Widdrington? Why is this being asked of me?

Widdrington conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers throughout the UK have an obligation under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client with a view to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to disclose two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Bank Statement less than 3 months old).

Evidence of source of monies is also necessary in accordance with the money laundering regulations as conveyancers are mandated to ensure that the money you are using to buy a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the total purchase monies if you are a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as employment savings) and is not the fruits of illegitimate behaviour.

A relative pointed out to me me that in buying a property in Widdrington there could be a number of restrictions affecting the ability to carry out external changes to a property. Is this right?

There are a number of properties in Widdrington which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to carry out external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Widdrington should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

My wife and I buying a terrace house in Widdrington. The intention is to an extension at the rear at the property.Will the conveyancing process involve checks to determine if these works were previously refused?

Your property lawyer will review the registered title as conveyancing in Widdrington will sometimes reveal restrictions in the title documents which prevent categories of works or require the permission of a 3rd party. Certain extensions need local authority planning permissions and approval under the building regulations. Some locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be wise to check these things with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.

I have instructed a Widdrington lawyer having checked that they are on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?

Bank of Ireland will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Bank of Ireland will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. Your conveyancing practitioner will not organise the survey but they may be able to put you in touch with a local one that they recommend. RICS offers a find a surveyor service (just google it) where you can search for a qualified surveyor by your Widdrington postcode. As you are getting a mortgage with Bank of Ireland, you could contact them to see if they have a list of approved surveyors in Widdrington.

I am selling our home in Widdrington and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being constructed land that was not decontaminated. Any local lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers instructed an internet conveyancing firm rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Widdrington. We have lived in Widdrington for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Should we contact our local Authority to obtain confirmation that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm already. What do they say? You must enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

Is it possible to change conveyancer as I have to choose one who is on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. I instructed a family conveyancing solicitor in Widdrington five minutes from me but he is not approved by Clydesdale

It would be our pleasure to assist you select a conveyancing solicitor in Widdrington on the Clydesdale panel. Please note that the solicitors that we list do not pay us a referral fee if you instruct them and are fully regulated by the SRA who oversee all conveyancing solicitors in Widdrington. In making use of the find a conveyancing solicitor tool on this site, you can compare and instruct different solicitors and conveyancers both nationally and in Widdrington.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a house with a leasehold title in Widdrington. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Widdrington ?

Most houses in Widdrington are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Widdrington so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Widdrington conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’sconsent to carry out changes to the property. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor should appraise you on the various issues.