If I want to build an extension or do other works once I move in, can I get a builder to visit to give me a quote?
There is nothing stopping you trying to organise this, so long as you set a date and time that’s acceptable to the vendor (or via their estate agent if they are unable to be there) and try to establish how long the process will take, so that this can be booked in.
This becomes particularly critical following a surveyor’s inspection where remedial works are identified and recommended. You can use the quote from the builder as a renegotiation tool on the asking price, if the work required is going to be particularly costly. If you decide to go down this route, it must be done before exchange of contracts (where you’re committing to the sale price) and you should inform your solicitor if you’ve had private discussions and agreements with the vendor over price for inclusion in the terms of the contract.
What’s the difference between residential and commercial conveyancing?
In essence, there is very little difference between the tasks needed for residential conveyancing against commercial conveyancing. The real difference comes in the type of property and the purpose for which it is intended to be used.
The majority of residential transactions are freehold, whereas commercial transactions are almost exclusively leasehold, and commercial property conveyancing searches will tend to be more expensive because the structure and land will occupy a greater space on average than that for residential property.
Can I agree a sale price without involving an estate agent or solicitor?
This depends on whether you have signed up with an estate agent and what agreement is already in place. While it might seem unfair if you’ve found a buyer outside of the estate agency process and you’re expected to still pay the agent their fees on sale, you should be very careful about stepping outside the agreed terms and conditions since this is legally binding and you may face penalties as a result. Therefore, if you want to follow this course, it’s worth checking the details with a solicitor to ensure you’re following the letter of the law.
If you’re not with an agent, you can publicise your house details with a number of publications and online sites (some are free, others require a fee), but you’ll need to do all the legwork and administration. For a legal standpoint, you don’t need to appoint a solicitor to perform the conveyancing, but it would be an unwise option to pursue as you will probably have neither the training or experience in some its complexities, and you won’t have the protective indemnity insurance in the event of a problem arising with your work.
What average time should it take for the conveyancing solicitor to conduct the legal process on a detached new build property we are intending to buy?
The process can take anywhere from 1 month to 3 months depending on any number of issues e.g. the efficiency of the seller's conveyancing solicitor, or the speed of the lender.
Our conveyancing solicitors are highly focused on speed and communication exchanging as quickly as we possibly can.
Property environmental searches may be conveyancing protocol but in light of recent events e g the fact that 2 8m people are at risk from surface flooding are they comfort enough to advise us sufficient information about the Ardleigh Green future flood risk?
The Ardleigh Green conveyancer will suggest that you carry out environmental searches if the first searches flag up any kind of Ardleigh Green flood risk area data
For more peace of mind perhaps you could get in touch with a neighbour.