Knowledge of the local Anerley area is key to an easier, faster move. Relevant and up-to-date area information is gathered by our Property Lawyers thanks to their network of Anerley contacts. Issues frequently arising in the region are also taken into consideration, thanks to this local expertise.

Official Local Authority Searches

When buying a new home in Anerley your property lawyer will commission Searches. The Local Authority for Anerley is London Borough of Bromley Council, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH. Tel: 020 8464 3339

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in Anerley

Disadvantaged areas relief may be available for property bought in around 2,000 locations across the country. In England and Wales, they are based on local government wards and electoral divisions. Because designated regions for relief are defined according to electoral wards, a postcode search is no guarantee a property will be eligible. If it is thought that a property is in a disadvantaged area, but an online search does not confirm this, it may be necessary to make further enquiries with the local council. By making a straightforward search by postcode, you can usually determine if a property purchase below £150,000 will benefit, however.

Issues to consider when your lawyer is not on your Lender's panel

Mortgage lenders maintain panels of solicitors who they will instruct to carry out legal work on mortgages. At one time, many lenders, especially the large banks, were prepared to instruct any firm of solicitors who asked to be placed on their panel. More recently, lenders have begun to remove firms which have either not completed many conveyancing transactions or have failed to meet other criteria. In order to proceed where your lawyer is not on a mortgage lender' s panel, you have the following options:

• Obtain a mortgage from a less restrictive lender
• Instruct a solicitor whom your lender accepts
• Pay the lenders costs for their solicitor in addition to your own

It is usually cheaper to have the same firm act both for you and your lender, and carry out all the conveyancing work in connection with a purchase and the mortgage. Consider these points if you choose to change firms:

• Additional fees may be charged by the new firm which your original lawyers considered to be inclusive.
• Your second choice of firm may have less local knowledge, or be harder to meet in person.