Carlisle is the main cultural, commercial and industrial centre for north Cumbria. It is also home to the main campuses of the University of Cumbria and a variety of museums and heritage centres.

The historic city provides many options for purchasers, from older terraced cottages to modern abodes. Whether you are buying or selling, awareness of local considerations will positively impact the likelihood of a successful sale or purchase. Fridaysmove's Carlisle Conveyancing team is able to employ their local knowledge to help you move home sooner. They are also cognisant of the issues and considerations native to the area.

We have assisted home movers throughout Carlisle, including Conveyancing in CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4 and CA6.

Council Tax in Carlisle

The sellers conveyancing solicitor will confirm the council tax banding and rates for the house or flat being sold. Carlisle Council Tax rates are set by Carlisle Council. 2012/13 bandings are* -

• Band A - £1046
• Band B - £1220
• Band C - £1394
• Band D - £1568
• Band E - £1917
• Band F - £2266
• Band G - £2614
• Band H - £3137

*Source - www.communities.gov.uk

Local Transport Issues

Transport projects are rightly a concern for homebuyers, given both the disruption they can create, and the long-term impact they can have on a house's value. Local authority searches should list any proposals for the following in respect of any highway adjoining the property:

• making it one-way
• permanently stopping it up or diverting it
• introducing parking restrictions or changing existing restrictions (including residents parking permits)
• introducing width or weight restrictions
• speed restrictions, traffic calming measures including speed humps (sleeping policemen)
• cycle tracks

In rarer cases, the council may install a 'no entry' sign or similar restriction, preventing access to a road. Such an action may not technically be a 'scheme' and therefore may not be mentioned in searches.

The dangers of Radiation in Carlisle

Measured at much higher concentrations in some areas of the country than others, radon is a odourless, colourless gas. Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer and as a result forms part of the environmental search conducted by Conveyancing Solicitors in Carlisle. In the past 30 years nearly half a million Radon measurements have been taken in England and Wales by the Health Protection Agency. The Carlisle sample considered 1200 of the 102000 homes in the CA postcode district. The mean measurement found 42 Bq -3 with the highest recording being 2100 Bq -3.

Of the sample group 25 properties were considered over the Action Level. Extrapolated, this would mean that statistically 3062 properties will exceed the acceptable Radon level. Where a high probability of radon is suspected, a specific radon test may be warranted. These are priced at around £50. After three months, the radon results will be returned. Given the potential delay this can cause to an ongoing sale transaction, the test should be ordered even prior to putting a property on the market.