Knowledge of the local Hastings area is key to an easier, faster move. Your Property Lawyer will use their working associations with the local authority and other bodies to deliver better results.

We have assisted home movers throughout Hastings, including Conveyancing in TN34, TN35, TN38.

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in Hastings

The government has designated certain areas as 'disadvantaged areas' and property purchases in such areas may qualify for relief from stamp duty. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. No stamp duty is due for houses bought in a Hastings disadvantaged area under the £150k threshold. It may be necessary to make further enquiries with the local council, if initial searches fail to identify whether a residence lies in a disadvantaged area. By making a straightforward search by postcode, you can usually determine if a property purchase below £150,000 will benefit, however. Note that homes built very recently may also fail to show up on a search, even if they are technically eligible.

My solicitor is not on my Lender's panel - what do I do?

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 a lender will not instruct a firm you have picked to perform your legal work, you have the following choices; 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. 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.

Looking for a mortgage lender with a branch in Hastings, East Sussex, try:

• Halifax, 1, Queens Road, TN34 1QP - Tel: 08456 814190

TPOs in Hastings

Sellers of property asked to state whether they have carried out any work to trees under a protection order (TPO), and to supply copies of any approvals. It is recommended that the advice of a tree surgeon or similar expert is obtained prior to attempting work on a protected tree, even if council consent is granted. If a newer property is affected by a planning condition imposed upon the original builders, it would be a breach of planning control to remove any trees this condition required the developer to plant.