I am need of leasehold conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (five years built) in Fitzrovia. The vast majority the appartments have already been disposed of. Is it really necessary to order neighbourhood searches for my conveyancing in Fitzrovia?

Conveyancing Searches are a vital link in the Fitzrovia conveyancing process. There are numerous search providers who offer Fitzrovia conveyancing searches, as well direct from local authority. These are usually referred to as personal search providers and they produce, not surprisingly, personal searches. Nevertheless, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must obtain their data from the local authority.

My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Fitzrovia. I need to find out if they are accepted on the approved list of lawyers. Can you advise?

You should phone the lawyer and enquire whether they are on the lender panel. Alternatively please call who may be able to help.

Will our solicitor be making enquiries regarding flooding as part of the conveyancing in Fitzrovia.

Flooding is a growing risk for lawyers conducting conveyancing in Fitzrovia. Plenty of people will buy a property in Fitzrovia, fully aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical damage, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or dispose of the premises. There are steps that can be taken as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Lawyers are not best placed to give advice on flood risk, but there are a number of checks that can be initiated by the purchaser or by their solicitors which can figure out the risks in Fitzrovia. The standard information sent to a purchaser’s solicitor (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a usual inquiry of the owner to find out whether the premises has suffered from flooding. If the premises has been flooded in past which is not disclosed by the owner, then a purchaser could bring a legal claim for losses stemming from an incorrect response. The buyer’s conveyancers will also carry out an environmental search. This will higlight whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, further inquiries will need to be made.