If I am buying in Liphook, is it advisable to seek a chancel liability search?
The case of Aston has prompted almost every conveyancing solicitor in Liphook to order chancel searches. Indemnity policies can be arranged if chancel liability is likely to be enforced. Your conveyancing lawyer should provide more details. Church of England properties in Liphook where chancel liability may apply include parish data base.
I have been on the look out for a flat up to £195,000 and found one near me in Liphook I like with a park and railway links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Liphook suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?
If you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be a potential deal breaker. Discount the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you could request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this matter.
Am I right to be wary about 3rd parties that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use a factory type conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Liphook conveyancing firm?
As with many professional services, often suggestions from family and friends can be most helpful. Yet there are many players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and banks might all suggest lawyers to retain. On occasion the solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there is an underlying commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are free to select your preferred conveyancer. However, bear in mind that many mortgage providers operate an approved list of conveyancers you have to use for the mortgage related work in your house move.