"Awareness of local issues and concerns can mean the difference between a stress-free move, and a drawn-out and difficult process. Associations with local authorities and other Cumbria information sources, such as water and drainage providers, are maintained by our Solicitors and furthermore, any areas of particular consideration when buying or selling in Cumbria will also be examined in detail.

We have assisted home movers throughout Cumbria, including Conveyancing in CA1, CA2, CA4, LA6, LA7, LA9."

Local issues considered by Cumbria Conveyancing Solicitors:

Are you eligible for Cumbria 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. No stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases where the price paid is under £150,000. If an online search cannot determine whether a Cumbria home is located in a disadvantaged area, clarification should be sought from the local council. That said, for any purchase below £150,000, it is worth making a simple postcode search to find out if a property is in a Disadvantaged area.

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

Disadvantaged areas in Cumbria include Clifton, Distington, Moorclose, Ellenborough, Ewanrigg, Netherhall, Harbour, Hensingham, Sandwith, Hindpool, Risedale, Barrow Island, Central, Ormsgill, Walney North.

Local Council Tax Rates and Bandings

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 Cumbria are set by South Lakeland Council. The bandings for 2012/13 are* -

• Band A - £1044
• Band B - £1218
• Band C - £1392
• Band D - £1566
• Band E - £1915
• Band F - £2263
• Band G - £2611
• Band H - £3133

*Source - www.communities.gov.uk

Will you need a Mining Search

Coal mining has taken place in many parts of the country, including around Cumbria. The mining search provides information on the following:

• Records of coal mining activity in the vicinity, whether past, current, or planned
• Records of any former mine-shafts nearby
• Information about previous subsidence known to have taken place, including details of previous damage claims
• Details of coal seams known to exist beneath the property

The more recent 'overcast' approach to mining involves removal of soil and 'overburden' above the coal, which is then removed with heavy excavators. This may cause inconvenience to local residents during the lifetime of the workings. Discarded waste, spoil, or smelting by-products may have soiled parts of Cumbria located near defunct older mines. An environment search may also be required in these cases. Unfortunately, due to the industry's extremely long history, and the fact that there has never been any central mining authority, there is no single source of information about the location of mines. This means that searches are less straightforward than a buyer may anticipate. A comprehensive database of mines relating to other minerals is not available, but as these often occurred away from major residential areas, the impact of these is of less concern.

There are approximately 252 areas in Cumbria where a mining search is required. These include; Church Brough, Southernby, Keisley, Watchill, Dearham, Blagill and Great Broughton.