Knowledge of the local Ashford Kent area is key to an easier, faster move. Associations with local authorities and other Ashford Kent information sources, such as water and drainage providers, are maintained by our Solicitors. In addition, areas of concern specific to the Ashford Kent region will also be examined.

Are you eligible for Ashford Kent stamp duty relief?

Around 2,000 wards nationwide are eligible for stamp duty relief. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. No stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases where the price paid is under £150,000. Above this designated limit of £150k, the normal rates of duty apply, and no further relief may be available. By making a straightforward search by postcode, you can usually determine if a property purchase below £150,000 will benefit, however. 'Mixed use' property, including a shop with an apartment above, may also receive stamp duty relief.

What are the consequences if your solicitor is not on your Lender's panel?

Lenders once permitted any solicitors' firm to join their panel. These panels were established so that firms could join and thereby perform legal work on mortgages on behalf of lenders. More recently, lenders have begun to remove firms which have either not completed many conveyancing transactions or have failed to meet other criteria. If a lender will not instruct a firm you have picked to perform your legal work, you have the following choices:

• 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.

Searches

When buying a home in Ashford Kent a Solicitor is required by your lender to carry out Official Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Ashford Kent is Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL. Tel: 01233 331 111