"Awareness of an area's issues and concerns can mean the difference between a stress-free move, and a drawn-out and difficult process. Relevant and up-to-date area information is gathered by our Property Lawyers thanks to their network of East and West Horsley contacts. In addition, areas of particular concern or relevancy to East and West Horsley property are thoroughly investigated."

Local issues considered by East and West Horsley Conveyancing Solicitors:

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

Many lenders, and particularly nationwide banks, were once willing to instruct any East and West Horsley solicitors who requested to be added to their panel. Increasingly however, lenders have lowered the number of firms which they will accept and allow to perform this work. If your East and West Horsley conveyancing solicitor is not on your preferred lender's panel, then the lender will not instruct that firm to act in connection with the mortgage. You then have a choice:

• 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.

Searches

When buying a new home in East and West Horsley a conveyancer is required by your lender to conduct Searches. The Local Authority for East and West Horsley is Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB. Tel: 01483 505 050 or out of hours emergencies on: 01323 644 422

Are you eligible for East and West Horsley stamp duty relief?

Around 2,000 wards nationwide 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. Normal rates of stamp duty apply for purchases greater than £150k. 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. 'Mixed use' property, including a shop with an apartment above, may also receive stamp duty relief.