"The benefits of access to local knowledge when you move are considerable. Associations with local authorities and other sources of detailed Cheshunt issues are maintained by our Solicitors to streamline the Conveyancing process and they pay close attention to issues commonly arising during Cheshunt transactions.

We have assisted home movers throughout Cheshunt, including Conveyancing in EN7, EN8."

Local issues considered by Cheshunt Conveyancing Solicitors:

Will your property purchase in Cheshunt be affected by HS2?

Development of High Speed 2, commonly known as HS2, is now underway, linking the Capital with Scotland. Works are due to start in 2017, with the rail line up to Birmingham going online by 2026. The line will cross over 20 local authorities, and people are understandably concerned about its impact on the value and enjoyment of their homes. Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct a local authority search which will show if the Cheshunt property is or will be within 200 metres of the proposed railway route. Unfortunately, the search cannot give the complete picture of the full effect this line will have on local property.

Is a detailed HS2 Search worth it?

Construction work, traffic, noise pollution and vibration are all factors which could affect homes further than two hundred metres from HS2, but a local authority will not reveal this, and works will last for at least eight years. This may mean long-term and extensive disruption to the enjoyment of your property if you choose to buy in affected parts of Cheshunt. An informative HIGHSPEED 2 search covers a thousand metre range around a home, to resolve a number of issues:

• Is the property located near stage one of the line?
• How will works affect the property?
• How will the fully operational line affect the property in years to come?
• Is the nearby route in a cutting, in a tunnel, or on a viaduct?

This report is also backed by £10 million professional indemnity insurance.

My property is within 200 metres of HS2 - should I be worried?

Properties further than 200m away from the line, and therefore not covered by the relevant local authority search, will nevertheless be affected. This is primarily why a detailed search will be useful, offering more information as to HS2's impact on homes lying very close to the line. For affected residences, the government is launching new compensation measures by Autumn 2012. Note that Fridaysmove do not intend to comment on the merits of the HS2 scheme, or the impact felt by Cheshunt residents and home buyers.

Road and Rail Construction

Anyone buying a home in Cheshunt will be concerned to know if there are any plans for the construction of a new road or railway line nearby. Searches demonstrate proposed new road, alteration, widening or conversion to a dual carriageway, or, any proposed railway or tram line. Note that a scheme may be under active consideration by Cheshunt council staff, but until formal proposals are published it will not be revealed in the search.

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in Cheshunt

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 due for houses bought in a Cheshunt disadvantaged area under the £150k threshold. Above £150k, no stamp duty relief may be available. A postcode search is worth undertaking to determine whether a residence under the £150k threshold is in a Disadvantaged area.

Need more information regarding stamp duty relief? Call our specialist Cheshunt team today.

Bandings and Rates for Council Tax in Cheshunt

During their enquiries, the buyers solicitor will request that the conveyancer acting for the seller confirms the council tax banding of the property. Council Tax rates for Cheshunt are set by Broxbourne Council. The bandings for 2012/13 are* -

• Band A - £920
• Band B - £1073
• Band C - £1227
• Band D - £1380
• Band E - £1687
• Band F - £1993
• Band G - £2300
• Band H - £2760

*Source - www.communities.gov.uk