"Colindale - It's not just what you know, it's who you know. Our Conveyancing specialists in Colindale have close working associations with a broad range of local information sources and furthermore, any areas of particular consideration when buying or selling in Colindale will also be examined in detail."

Local issues considered by Colindale Conveyancing Solicitors:

Searches

If your are planning to buy a property in Colindale your lawyer is required by your lender to commission Searches. The searches provide you with any information affecting the property . The Local Authority for Colindale is London Borough of Brent Council, One Stop Service, Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD. Tel: 020 8937 1201

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

Mortgage lenders maintain panels of solicitors who they will instruct to carry out legal work on mortgages. At one time, many lenders, especially the large banks, were prepared to instruct any firm of solicitors who asked to be placed on their panel. 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; you can either select a different lender or solicitor. It is possible to continue with your original choices, but your lender will expect you to pay for the legal costs relating to the mortgage. Bear in mind that it is usually more efficient and less expensive for the same firm act for you and your lender. 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

Are you eligible for Colindale stamp duty relief?

Nearly two thousand areas in England and Wales are eligible for stamp duty relief. Areas designated are identified by local government ward or electoral divisions. For homes bought for less than £150,000, this relief may be available. If it is suspected that a property is located in a disadvantaged area, further enquiries are required to be made to the local council or authority. For a purchase below the threshold, it is worth making a simple postcode search to find out if a property is in a disadvantaged area. However this is not always accurate, and may not work for recently built properties.