The deeds to our home can not be found. The lawyers who conducted the conveyancing in Becontree Heath years ago have long since closed.What are my next steps?
As long as you have a registered title the details of your proprietorship will be documented by the Land Registry with a Title Number. It is possible to perform a search at the Land Registry, identify your property and secure up to date copies of the Registered Entries for a small fee. If the title is Leasehold then the Land Registry will in most cases retain a certified copy of the Registered Lease and again, a copy can be ordered for twenty pounds.
How does conveyancing in Becontree Heath differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Becontree Heath approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Becontree Heath 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 Becontree Heath or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Becontree Heath ahead of instructing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor has said that some lenders tend refuse to give a mortgage on such a premises.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements for example to Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can look into this further via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Becontree Heath. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Becontree Heath to see if the conveyancing costs will increase in light of this.