Conveyancing In Peterborough Q & A's

How do we identify a genuinely cheap fee? I am trying to find an affordable Peterborough conveyancing estimate.

Numerous solicitors promote 'the cheapest conveyancing quotes', but extra fees will be included in the terms of engagement which homeowners may have not read carefully Extras listed in terms and conditions should be fair and be applied only where the lawyer must perform additional tasks in your interest, which could not be anticipated at the start of the process. Homeward Legal quotes offer a clear statement of your legal fees for a standard conveyancing transaction.

My partner and I are interested in purchasing in Peterborough. How do I confirm that the building is in a conservation area?

Areas considered to be of special architectural or historic interest, like picturesque villages, may be registered as areas of conservation. Conservation areas in Peterborough include Peterborough City Centre. Your property solicitor will offer more information.

I have got a quote from you. Might there be any hidden charges?

Regrettably, buyer should read the terms of their conveyancing quote careful to identify any hidden fees. Homeward Legal will not charge any extra, hidden fees. A Homeward Legal quote is an accurate price the legal expenses for your sale or purchase.

Do we need to go for the property solicitor suggested by the Peterborough estate agent?

Agent referrals are indeed a commonplace way for purchasers to get a solicitor. However, if these agents are paid a referral fee, they may prefer to suggest the solicitors’ firm which pays the largest referral fee, not a firm with local expertise and a solid reputation like you need. This is covered in our article about conveyancing myths – found here. We also suggest you compare some quotes (starting with ours of course!) to find out how good a deal your estate agent is offering.

Bookshops and the web both have many helpful documents giving details on doing your own legal work. Do I really need to instruct a Peterborough solicitor ?

Theoretically speaking there is no argument at all why a home buyer cannot do the conveyancing unaided. However, a Peterborough lawyer handles a large array of activities including liaising with the insolvency office for k15 entries or representing the mortgage lender some of which need experience. In addition solicitors practices are required by the SRA to get the appropriate cover to protect you in the event of any failures.

We are selling in Peterborough and our conveyancing is taking too long – how long should conveyancing normally take?

Conveyancing should take between two and three months, but it can take longer if the other solicitor or the mortgage lender delays things, meaning it is out of your hands. There are see ways to make sure it goes as fast as possible, but you will need a proactive solicitor and good communication throughout.

What is the council tax on a converted property in Peterborough?

Usually the conveyancing report on title will provide the Peterborough council tax band. The correct rates for Peterborough are listed at the Peterborough council website. At the time of writing (10 July 2012) rates for all bands are:

• Band A - £913.00
• Band B - £1,065.00
• Band C - £1,217.00
• Band D - £1,369.00
• Band E - £1,673.00
• Band F - £1,978.00
• Band G - £2,282.00
• Band H - £2,738.00

We are intending to buy a barn conversion in the parish of Cambridge St Peter. Is a chancel search necessary?

Your conveyancing lawyer could advise a chancel search, whichever parish where the house being bought is located. In Peterborough's much older areas, chancel repair has the potential to be charged on the current owners of a house where Parochial Church Councils may have not done so in the past.