Knowledge of the local Eastney and Southsea area is key to an easier, faster move. Associations with local authorities and other Eastney and Southsea information sources, such as water and drainage providers, are maintained by our Solicitors. Issues frequently arising in the region are also taken into consideration, thanks to this local expertise.

Does your Eastney and Southsea purchase qualify for Stamp Duty Relief?

Purchases of property in Eastney and Southsea 'disadvantaged areas' are eligible for stamp duty. These are based on electoral divisions and local government wards. No stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases where the price paid is under £150,000. If it is thought that a property is in a disadvantaged area, but an online search does not confirm this, it may be necessary to make further enquiries with the local council. A postcode search is worth undertaking to determine whether a residence under the £150k threshold is in a Disadvantaged area. This relief is not generally available on commercial property, but some relief may be available for 'mixed use' premises such as a shop with a flat above.

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. More recently, lenders have begun to remove firms which have either not completed many conveyancing transactions or have failed to meet other criteria. If your lender does not accept your chosen solicitor, you must make a decision as to how to proceed:

• 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. 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.

Searches

If your are looking to purchase a new home in Eastney and Southsea your property lawyer is required by your lender to commission Official Local Authority Searches (including (Con 29 enquiries, LLC1 and Con29 Part 2). The Local Authority for Eastney and Southsea is Portsmouth City Council, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2BG. Tel: 023 9282 2251