"There a several benefits of local information when buying or selling in Hitchin. Fridaysmove-recommended Solicitors maintain close links with relevant local authorities. In addition, areas of particular concern or relevancy to Hitchin property are thoroughly investigated.

We have assisted home movers throughout Hitchin, including Conveyancing in SG4, SG5."

Local issues considered by Hitchin Conveyancing Solicitors:

Official Searches in Hitchin

If your are intending to buy a property in Hitchin your solicitor is required by your lender to commission Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Hitchin is North Hertfordshire District Council, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 3JF. Tel: 01462 474 000 or out of hours emergencies on: 01302 341 630

Fridaysmove property lawyers in Hitchin are on all UK mortgage lender panels, including:

Issues to consider when your lawyer is not on your Lender's panel

Panels of solicitors are maintained by mortgage lenders in order to undertake legal work on mortgaged properties. Increasingly however, lenders have lowered the number of firms which they will accept and allow to perform this work. To proceed where your Hitchin lawyer is not on a mortgage lender' s panel, you have the following options:

• 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 issues if you are intending to stay with your solicitor rather than opt for your mortgage lender's choice:

• You will have to pay your lender's legal costs
• By being required to send documents to the lender's solicitors, delays will inevitably occur
• You will be unable to contact the lender's firm directly, as they will be acting for the lender rather than you

Looking for a mortgage lender with a branch in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, try:

• Santander, 23, Brand St, SG5 1HS - Tel: 0845 7654321
• NatWest Bank plc, 12, High St, SG5 1YA - Tel: 0845 6002803
• Halifax, 25, High St, SG5 1AT - Tel: 01462 669206
• Barclays Bank plc, 5-6, High St, SG5 1BH - Tel: 0845 7555555

Are you eligible for Hitchin stamp duty relief?

Stamp duty relief may be available for property purchases in Hitchin labelled as 'disadvantaged areas'. Areas designated are identified by local government ward or electoral divisions. No stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases where the price paid is under £150,000. Note that normal rates of duty apply sales above £150,000. By making a straightforward search by postcode, you can usually determine if a property purchase below £150,000 will benefit, however. 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.