East Croydon - It's not just what you know, it's who you know. Your Property Lawyer will use their working associations with the local authority and other bodies to deliver better results.

Are you eligible for East Croydon stamp duty relief?

Stamp duty relief may be available for property purchases in East Croydon labelled as 'disadvantaged areas'. Areas designated are identified by local government ward or electoral divisions. No stamp duty is due for houses bought in a East Croydon disadvantaged area under the £150k threshold. Note that normal rates of duty apply sales above £150,000. A postcode search is worth undertaking to determine whether a residence under the £150k threshold is in a Disadvantaged area. Note that homes built very recently may also fail to show up on a search, even if they are technically eligible.

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. Lenders have also reduced the size of their panels, setting more restrictive criteria for membership. These options are available to any homebuyer whose solicitor is not on their lender's panel:

• Obtain a mortgage from a less restrictive lender
• Instruct a solicitor whom your lender accepts
• Pay the lenders costs for their solicitor in addition to your own

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. Consider these points if you choose to change firms:

• Additional fees may be charged by the new firm which your original lawyers considered to be inclusive.
• Your second choice of firm may have less local knowledge, or be harder to meet in person.

Local Authority Searches in East Croydon

If your are looking to buy a new home in East Croydon your property lawyer is required to apply to the council for Official Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for East Croydon is London Borough of Croydon Council, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 3JS. Tel: 020 8726 6000