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

Felixstowe conveyancing solicitors and indeed property practitioners accross the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to verify the identity of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to supply two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (typically a Bank Statement no older than three months).

Evidence of source of funds is also required in accordance with the money laundering laws as solicitors have a duty to check that the funds you are using to buy a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase monies if you are buying without a mortgage) has come from legitimate source (such as employment savings) and is not the product of illegitimate activity.

We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The lender mentioned the loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to instruct their panel conveyancer as I would much rather instruct a Felixstowe based conveyancing firm?

You should check but the chances are that give you one of their panel conveyancers if you accept the "fee-free" offer. Speak to the mortgage company to see if they make available a cash alternative. Some banks have previously offered a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case you could put that amount towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in Felixstowe.

Given that I will soon part with 450k on a property in Felixstowe I wish to talk to a conveyancer about myhome move ahead of appointing the firm. Is this something that you can arrange?

This is something that we recommend - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the solicitor who will be carrying out your conveyancing in Felixstowe.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is an important person, not a matter number. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for your conveyancing in Felixstowe should be the amount on the final invoice that you end up paying.

Should I go with a Felixstowe conveyancing solicitor in close proximity to the house I am buying? An old friend can execute the legal work however they are based 400miles away.

The benefit of a local Felixstowe conveyancing firm is that you can drop in to sign paperwork, deliver your ID and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Felixstowe know how is a plus. However it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who instructed your friend and the majority were happy that should outweigh using an unknown Felixstowe conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being local.

I am on look out for some leasehold conveyancing in Felixstowe. Before diving in I want to be sure as to the remaining lease term.

Assuming the lease is registered - and almost all are in Felixstowe - then the leasehold title will always include the basic details of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title. For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.

I am the registered owner of a leasehold flat in Felixstowe, conveyancing was carried out in 2012. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Equivalent properties in Felixstowe with a long lease are worth £211,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease ends on 21st October 2093

With only 67 years left to run we estimate the price of your lease extension to range between £10,500 and £12,000 as well as legals.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed investigations. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.