"Buying or selling property in Hampstead? Local know-how will make the difference. Fridaysmove's Hampstead Conveyancing team is able to employ their local knowledge to help you move home sooner. Issues frequently arising in the region are also taken into consideration, thanks to this local expertise."

Local issues considered by Hampstead Conveyancing Solicitors:

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

Lenders maintain panels of law firms to perform mortgage legal work. While these panels were once open, allowing any firm to join, that is no longer the case. Lenders have also reduced the size of their panels, setting more restrictive criteria for membership. In order to proceed where your lawyer is not on a mortgage lender' s panel, you have the following options; you can either select a different lender or solicitor. It is possible to continue with your original choices, but your lender will expect you to pay for the legal costs relating to the mortgage. Bear in mind that it is usually more efficient and less expensive for the same firm act for you and your lender. 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 Hampstead area.

Does your Hampstead purchase qualify for Stamp Duty Relief?

Regions within Hampstead have been qualified as 'disadvantaged areas' eligible for stamp duty relief. Areas designated are identified by local government ward or electoral divisions. These wards do not always coincide with postcode districts, so the postcode search tool cannot always be relied on. Above this limit of £150k, nationwide rates apply regardless of whether the property is located within a disadvantaged area. 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. 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.

Official Searches in Hampstead

If your are purchasing a property in Hampstead a property lawyer is required by your lender to apply to the council for Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Hampstead is London Borough of Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE. Tel: 020 7974 4445