
By Frances Traynor
24th April 2018
"Teamwork is essential for an easier property transaction."
Sarah Haller
When buying, selling or remortgaging a house or flat in Chatham, you should instruct a conveyancing solicitor to look after the associated legal work.
Our conveyancing lawyers have years of experience in Chatham and all over Kent, while Homeward Legal’s proactive approach means we often move you in the shortest possible time.
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Property lawyers who carry out all the conveyancing work for your home move for a fixed fee.
We do not charge you any conveyancing solicitors fees for buying and selling a home, if your Kent house move does not complete.
With area experience, our solicitors will guide you through the details of the conveyancing process.
No additional fees whatsoever.
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By road: Chatham is served by the M2, A2 and A229. By rail: The nearest train station is Chatham. By air: Rochester Airport is 4 miles from Chatham, while London Biggin Hill Airport is 28 miles, and London City Airport is 32 miles.
Hospital: St. Bartholomew’s, New Road, Rochester-upon-Medway, ME1 1DS. Council: Medway Council (www.medway.gov.uk).
Attractions: Chatham Historic Dockyard, Buckmore Park, Darland Banks, Fort Amherst, Kent Life, and HMS Cavalier.
Q.If an offer sounds too good, it probably is if the details are not transparent and fair. Unfortunately, there are many firms suggesting that what they offer is 'the cheapest conveyancing quotes', while additional costs are often hiding in small print. These extra costs are frequently not read by harried sellers and buyers. At Homeward Legal, we are different: We never hide any costs, and our quotes present a completely clear statement of your legal fees for a standard conveyancing transaction. Try our quote calculator, or call our team of conveyancing experts on 0800 038 6699 to discuss your needs.
Q.Gazumping is a term used to describe when an owner accepts a low offer, then reneges on it, choosing a better offer instead from another interested buyer. There is a real risk of this occurring even months into a sale, because offers are not binding until the exchange of contracts. To reduce the likelihood of being gazumped, you might want to consider instructing your solicitor early.
Talk to our team of conveyancing experts on 0800 038 6699 to obtain a fixed-fee quote, backed with our cast-iron ‘No Completion, No Fee’ guarantee.
Q.Homeward Legal has an extremely speed-focused approach to fulfilling the necessary legal work as fast as possible, assisted by the latest applications and systems which are fully integrated with other bodies such as HMRC and The Land Registry, guaranteeing swift conclusion of those elements of your move. With Homeward Legal, our lawyers endeavour to communicate as efficiently as possible from the beginning to the end of the property chain, using effective online and telephone methods to complete on the property sale fast.
Q.The Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rate that will be due will depend on the property's value (i.e. the price it was bought for). SDLT is currently triggered once the purchase price goes over £125,000. In the cited example, the duty owed would be a charge of £42,650 on the property bought for £989,950 (information retrieved on 15 February 2017). Note that the government’s budgeting and housing policies may change the rate or the trigger value. You might wish to use a stamp duty calculator like the one at www.stampdutycalculator.org.uk.
Q.For some legal firms, it may not be clear in their proffered quotes whether an itemised charge is a fee or a disbursement. The costs for searches are disbursements and not fees, and this expense is passed on to the buyer at cost. At Homeward Legal, our straightforward approach to detailing the conveyancing quote makes the distinction completely clear. Call our skilled conveyancing team on 0800 038 6699 to arrange a fixed-fee quote, backed up by our ‘No Completion, No Fee’ guarantee.
Q.Chatham industrial or agricultural activity can likely cause soil contamination, in addition to any historical impact in the area. Metal contamination of soil in Chatham, such as you suggest, is more likely to occur near waste-treatment sites. All issues of this nature will be highlighted
in the report of title following the standard environmental searches in connection with the purchase of your Chatham house. Data on other contaminants, like groundwater contamination and disinfection by-products, will also be included in the search.
Q.Homeward Legal works alongside most of the lenders and mortgage brokers in the Chatham area. Lenders and mortgage specialists in Chatham include:
When you instruct your conveyancing solicitor, they will initiate a set of standard searches. The environmental search includes the assessment of the risk of flooding in the location of your Chatham house. If the flood risk is deemed significant enough, a more in-depth search will be requested for an inexpensive cost (around £20). Property purchasers sometimes speak to a future neighbour for added assurance if they are still concerned about the level of risk.
Q.Chatham industrial or agricultural can cause soil contamination. Metal contamination of soil in Chatham is more likely to occur near waste treatment sites. Data on other contaminants, like groundwater contamination and disinfection by-products, will also be included in an environmental search.
Q.Property owners neighbouring nearby church property are expected to contribute towards the cost of repairs, as a result of chancel repair liability. Several sources are used to determine liability in Chatham, including the Title Register database. Church properties in this area where a chancel search may be necessary include Emmaus Church Centre, St. Mary's Island Church, St David and Blue Bell Hill St Albans.
Q.Gazumping arises when a owner accepts a low offer, then refuses it, choosing instead a better offer. This could occur even months into a sale. The will be a risk of getting gazumped in any transaction, because offers are not binding until exchange of contracts. To reduce the likelihood of being gazumped, consider instructing your solicitor early.
Q.Usually a conveyancing report on title should provide the relevant Medway council tax band. Council tax rates for residents of Chatham are published on the Medway local authority site. On 24/02/2013 rates are:
No. Our solicitors will never charge any additional costs for any reason. You should be aware that some conveyancers give 'quotes' which are in fact estimates, which they will not be required to adhere to.
Q.A property lawyer is likely to recommend a chancel search. Chancel repair has the potential to be charged on current owners of a home where parish councils have previously chosen not to do so, so the solicitor will be unable to make any guarantees, and will recommend insurance.
Q.Conveyancing will occasionally take more time than budgeted. We appreciate how disruptive they may be and aim to lessen the cost of these delays if it can be achieved. There are numerous reasons for delay, such as the time taken to return management information.
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