Knowledge of the local Ashington area is key to an easier, faster move. Associations with local authorities and other Ashington information sources, such as water and drainage providers, are maintained by our Solicitors.

We have assisted home movers throughout Ashington, including Conveyancing in NE63.

Will you need a Mining Search

Some homes in Ashington may be affected by now-closed mine workings, in the form of subsidence or environmental issues, but when mines have closed, there is often little evidence of former mining activity. Buyers can be surprised when their solicitor carries out such a search. Law Society recommends such searches are carried out for properties in any of the areas listed in the Coal Authority's directory. Heavy excavators are involved with the 'overcast' technique of coal mining in use today, causing disruption to nearby property during excavation. Environmental pollution is also often associated with old mine-workings, either from discarded waste or spoil, or as by-products if ore was smelted locally. Should a search reveal former mining activity in close proximity, then a further, more detailed survey may be appropriate to assess the immediate risk of subsidence, for example.

My solicitor is not on my Lender's panel - what do I do?

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. Increasingly however, lenders have lowered the number of firms which they will accept and allow to perform this work. These options are available to any homebuyer whose solicitor is not on their lender's panel:

• 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 issues if you are intending to stay with your solicitor rather than opt for your mortgage lender's choice:

• You will have to pay your lender's legal costs
• By being required to send documents to the lender's solicitors, delays will inevitably occur
• You will be unable to contact the lender's firm directly, as they will be acting for the lender rather than you

Looking for a mortgage lender with a branch in Ashington, Northumberland, try:

• Halifax, 19, Station Rd, NE63 9UZ - Tel: 01670 390804
• Barclays Bank plc, 9, Station Rd, NE63 9XB - Tel: 0845 7555555

Conveyancing Searches

When purchasing a property in Ashington your solicitor is required to conduct Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Ashington is Northumberland County Council, County Hall, Morpeth, , NE61 2EF. Tel: 0845 600 6400 or out of hours emergencies on: 0800 374 485