"Much as a Bath Conveyancing Solicitor would probably rather be relaxing in the now open thermal spas of the 'Roman Baths' (which gave the the city its name), he or she will probably be working extra hard when it comes to your Conveyancing transaction as there are a number of things to watch out for behind those beautiful Georgian facades." Tony Lilleystone, Legal Manager (and one time Bath Resident)

The city of Bath is surrounded by a stunning countryside with the picturesque Cotswolds protruding on its doorstep coupled with the swathes of parkland in the city centre; the city also boasts an array of regency terraces and Palladian mansions, giving home owners a chance to live in some of the most elegant locations in the country.

There are many attractive residential areas of Bath outside the city centre, including Lansdown, Combe Down and Batheaston. There were recent concerns about the effect of old underground stone working beneath properties in the Combe Down area, however a major project to stabilise the area was carried out by the local authority district, Bath and North East Somerset Council (The Guildhall, High St, Bath, BA1 5AW).

Although history is all around you in Bath, from the Roman baths to the famous ‘pump’ room, it is not just a museum piece but also a 21st century place to live.

Buying a period property in Bath

One of the real attractions for home buyers in Bath is that it is possible to buy a period property right in the middle of the city. However, property in Bath can be idiosyncratic and it is important to choose a Solicitor who is familiar with the ins and outs of Conveyancing in Bath.

Many of the larger townhouses have now been converted into flats and apartments which offer a wealth of architectural features, and provide accommodation within easy reach of the many facilities that Bath has to offer its residents. Your handling Solicitor will need to be fully conversant with leasehold Conveyancing in Bath if you are purchasing this type of dwelling.

Knowledge of the local Bath area is key to an easier, faster move and Fridaysmove have assisted home movers throughout the city including Conveyancing in BA1, BA2.

Whether you are purchasing a historic dwelling or a modern abode, contact Fridaysmove on 0330 660 0286 to instruct a Solicitor to assist you with your Conveyancing in Bath.

Structural issues to watch out for when buying in Bath

Many of the older properties in Central Bath are now converted into flats, and these can offer an excellent opportunity for buyers to acquire a residence in this lovely city.

Buyers should however be aware that the costs of maintaining these older buildings are likely to be higher than for a modern building, and a Fridays Conveyancer will be able to advise on the level of existing maintenance charges, as well as the implications of buying a leasehold property.

One feature of many of the older properties is the existence of cellars running below the adjacent pavement and road.

In many cases these original cellars have had to be filled in as otherwise the roads would have collapsed under the weight of modern traffic, and the council has powers to carry out this work where required. However where the road does not carry heavy traffic, the original cellar may still exist.

Much of the beautiful bath stone which was used for the old buildings was quarried by underground workings from the Combe Down area. This area was honey-combed by the old mine-workings, and newer houses and other building were often constructed above. This led to settlement of foundations and many problems with properties in this area, which created difficulties for anyone selling.

However some years ago the council carried out infilling works so that there should no longer be any problems, but your Conveyancing Solicitor would be able to provide necessary advice on any particular property.

Does your Bath purchase qualify for Stamp Duty Relief?

Nearly two thousand areas in England and Wales are eligible for stamp duty relief. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. These disadvantaged areas do not always coincide with postcode districts, so the postcode search tool cannot always be relied on. Above £150k, no stamp duty 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.

Disadvantaged areas in Bath include Twerton.

Is your Bath dream home in an at risk conservation area?

Local authorities designate conservation areas to manage change in regions that people want to protect from unsympathetic development. However, sadly many are falling into neglect e.g. out of control street clutter.

The following conservation areas are reported as at risk:

• Wellow - poor, medium vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Midsomer Norton and Welton - poor, medium vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Radstock (including Braysdown and Clandown) - very bad, high vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Chew Magna - poor, high vulnerability and no significant change.
• Corston - fair, medium vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Paulton (including Paulton Basin) - poor, medium vulnerability and deteriorating.

Contact Ian Lund on 01225 477 687 for more information.

Conveyancing in Bath for new build dwellings

Not all homes in Bath are old Georgian buildings; the council is currently master-planning the major redevelopment of the western riverside area of Bath with plans for a new residential quarter including up to 1059 residential homes and apartments.