In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Newcastle upon Tyne? Why is this being asked of me?

Newcastle upon Tyne conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property lawyers accross the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to check the ID of any client with a view to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients will need to produce two forms of certified identification; proof of ID (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Bank Statement less than 3 months old).

Confirmation of the origin of funds is also required under the money laundering laws as lawyers are duty bound to ensure that the monies you are utilising to purchase a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase price if you are a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as employment savings) and is not the product of criminal activity.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Newcastle upon Tyne?

Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Newcastle upon Tyne. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

How does conveyancing in Newcastle upon Tyne differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Newcastle upon Tyne approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because builders in Newcastle upon Tyne tend to purchase the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Newcastle upon Tyne or who has acted in the same development.

In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business offices in Newcastle upon Tyne and how can you help?

The 1954 Act gives a safeguard to commercial leaseholders, giving them the legal entitlement to make a request to court for a continuation of occupancy when the lease comes to an end. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing practices who use the act for protection and handle your commercial conveyancing in Newcastle upon Tyne

Back In 2006, I bought a leasehold flat in Newcastle upon Tyne. Conveyancing and mortgage went though with no issue. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1994. The conveyancing solicitor in Newcastle upon Tyne who previously acted has long since retired. Any advice?

The first thing you should do is make enquiries of the Land Registry to make sure that this person is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. You do not need to incur the fees of a Newcastle upon Tyne conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for £3. You should note that in any event, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.

Newcastle upon Tyne Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

It is important to be aware whether changing the roof or some other major work is due shortly that will be shared amongst the tenants and may well dramatically impact the level of the maintenance fees or necessitate a specific payment. Who manages the block? Is there a share of the freehold?