I require conveyancing for an apartment in a fairly new development (five years old) in Emsworth. 95% of the appartments are already disposed of. Is it strictly necessary to order neighbourhood searches for my conveyancing in Emsworth?
You are opening yourself up to an unnecessary risk in failing carrying out Emsworth conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would absolutely advise in no uncertain terms that your lawyer conducts them. If speed and cost are primary concerns you should consider with your solicitor about the option of search insurance
My lawyer in Emsworth has never been on on the Conveyancing Panel. Is it possible for me to continue with my prefered solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the list of approved lawyers?
The limited options open to you here include:
- Carry on with your preferred Emsworth lawyers but will need to retain a solicitor on their list of acceptable firms. This will result in additional overall conveyancing charges and cause delays.
- Find an alternative practitioner to to deal with the purchase, not forgetting to check they are len approved.
- Try to convince your solicitor to attempt to join the len panel
Am I better off to go with a Emsworth conveyancing practitioner who is local to the property I am hoping to buy? We have a good friend who can handle the legal formalities but they are based 400miles drive away.
The benefit of a high street Emsworth conveyancing firm is that you can drop in to sign paperwork, present your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Emsworth know how is a plus. However it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If you know people who instructed your friend and the majority were happy that must outweigh using an unknown Emsworth conveyancing solicitor just because they are local.