Knowledge of the local Dorchester area is key to an easier, faster move. Our Solicitors' maintain a network of Dorchester contacts and furthermore, any areas of particular consideration when buying or selling in Dorchester will also be examined in detail.

We have assisted home movers throughout Dorchester, including Conveyancing in DT1.

Official Local Authority Searches

If your are buying a home in Dorchester your conveyancer is required by your lender to conduct Official Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Dorchester is West Dorset District Council, Stratton House, 58- 60 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ. Tel: 01305 251 010 or out of hours emergencies on: 01268 758 358

Do you know if your Dorchester new home is located in or near an at risk conservation area?

Planning to purchase a house or flat in a Dorchester conservation area? Conservation areas are designated by Local Authorities to preside over change in residential areas that people would like to protect from decay. Unfortunately however, many are not being properly managed e.g. out of control street clutter.

The following conservation areas are reported as at risk:

• Dorchester - at risk, unknown vulnerability and no significant change.

Contact Kim Sankey on 01305 251010 for more information.

The consequences of your solicitor not being on your Mortgage 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. 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:

• Try to obtain a mortgage from another lender who will instruct your Conveyancing solicitor.
• Instruct another firm of Conveyancing solicitors who are on your lender's panel to handle your Conveyancing.
• Continue with your present Conveyancing solicitor, but accept that a separate firm will also act for the lender, and that you will have to pay their costs in addition.

It is usually cheaper to have the same firm act both for you and your lender, and carry out all the conveyancing work in connection with a purchase and the mortgage. If you decide to instruct another firm because they are on your lender's panel, you should bear in mind the following:

• The new firm might charge more or may charge additional fees.
• You might still have to pay your old firm for work they have already completed.
• The new firm may have no knowledge of the Dorchester area.

Looking for a mortgage lender with a branch in Dorchester, Dorset, try:

• Santander, 3, Cornhill, DT1 1BA - Tel: 0845 7654321
• NatWest Bank plc, 49, South St, DT1 1DW - Tel: 0845 6002803
• Lloyds TSB Bank plc, 1-2, High West St, DT1 1UG - Tel: 0845 3000000
• Halifax, 6, South St, DT1 1AZ - Tel: 01305 327908
• Barclays Bank plc, 10, South St, DT1 1BT - Tel: 0845 7555555
• Nationwide Building Society, 4, High West St, DT1 1UJ - Tel: 0845 2660467