In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Eastbourne? What am I being asked for?

Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the ID of the potential client they are dealing with prior to agreeing to accepting their conveyancing instruction. The Terms of Engagement that you need to sign will no doubt reaffirm this. Your lender will also require certain documents to be viewed. Should you refuse to hand over ID verification documents, your conveyancer would not be able to act for you.

is it true that all Eastbourne solicitor practices on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?

As solicitors, in order to be on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel they would need to be regulated by the SRA. The majority of banks do permit licenced conveyancers on their panel and in that case the practice would be overseen by the CLC.

I am buying a property in Eastbourne. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Kent Reliance be concerned?

As your lender is Kent Reliance your lawyer must follow the conveyancing instructions contained in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Kent Reliance. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook contains minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to Kent Reliance where a lease fails to comply with these requirements. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties countrywide and is not isolated to Eastbourne.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Eastbourne. I have a mortgage agreed with RBS. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with RBS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the RBS conveyancing panel.

What does a local search tell me about the house we're purchasing in Eastbourne?

Eastbourne conveyancing often starts with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for example Searchflow The local search is essential in every Eastbourne conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty surprises after you move into your property. The search will provide information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen subject areas.

I've found a house that seems to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have since found out that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns buying a house with a leasehold title in Eastbourne. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Eastbourne ?

Most houses in Eastbourne are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Eastbourne so you should seriously consider looking for a Eastbourne conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will report to you on the legal implications.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Eastbourne - Sample of Queries Prior to buying

What is the yearly maintenance fee and ground rent? What is the the remaining lease term? In the main the outlay for major works are not built into the service charges, although some managing agents in Eastbourne require leasehold owners to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against larger works.

I am buying a maisonette with all finances in place. My lawyer has been handed with 2 distinct forms of photo ID, bank statement, endless utility bills. Now he requires a copy from a probate lawyer stating that the money is in order and that it has come from inheritance and not dealing E's in Ibiza.

In today’s world you will not be able to complete any Eastbourne conveyancing transaction without first providing evidence of your identity to your lawyers. This usually takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a utility bill. Remember if you are providing your driving licence as evidence of ID it must be both the paper part and photo card part, one is not acceptable without the other. Proof of your source of funds is required under Money Laundering Regulations.