"Awareness of an area's issues and concerns can mean the difference between a stress-free move, and a drawn-out and difficult process. Our Conveyancing specialists in Crouch End have close working associations with a broad range of local information sources. In addition, areas of particular concern or relevancy to Crouch End property are thoroughly investigated."

Local issues considered by Crouch End Conveyancing Solicitors:

Crouch End Stamp Duty Relief

Designated areas as 'disadvantaged areas' may qualify for relief from stamp duty. In England and Wales, they are based on local government wards and electoral divisions. For homes bought for less than £150,000, this relief may be available. Above this designated limit of £150k, the normal rates of duty apply, and no further 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.

Official Local Authority Searches in Crouch End

If your are intending to purchase a home in Crouch End a Solicitor is required by your lender to apply to the council for Official Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Crouch End is London Borough of Haringey Council, Civic Centre, High Road, Wood Green, London, N22 8LE. Tel: 020 8489 0004

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

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. Lenders have also reduced the size of their panels, setting more restrictive criteria for membership. If your lender does not accept your chosen solicitor, you must make a decision as to how to proceed; you could either obtain a mortgage from another lender, or instruct another firm of conveyancer who are on the panel. Generally, it is cheaper to have the same firm act both for you and your lender, but you could also choose to persist with both your first choice of lender and solicitor, and pay for a lawyer selected by the lender to carry out the relevant legal work. Issues to consider if you intend to swap to a firm on the panel:

• The second firm may have a different fee structure, or higher fees
• Work which the first solicitor has completed already may need to be paid for regardless of your decision.
• Your new conveyancing solicitor may have weaker local knowledge.