When buying or selling in the area, who you know matters as much as what you know. Fridaysmove-recommended Solicitors maintain close links with relevant local authorities.

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

Lenders once permitted any solicitors' firm to join their panel. These panels were established so that firms could join and thereby perform legal work on mortgages on behalf of lenders. However, mortgage lenders have started removing firms which do not carry out much work for them, or have not met certain additional criteria. If your Holland Park and Notting Hill 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; 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 do not switch firms, your lenders will instruct a solicitor themselves. You are expected to pay these costs in addition to your own, and as this firm may have a heavy caseload with many other matters underway, you will not have the same ability to stay abreast of developments and apply more pressure if delays occur.

Official Local Authority Searches in Holland Park and Notting Hill

If your are buying a property in Holland Park and Notting Hill your lawyer is required to apply for Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Holland Park and Notting Hill is Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, The Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX. Tel: 020 7361 3000 or out of hours emergencies on: 01895 250 116

Disadvantaged Areas in Holland Park and Notting Hill

Disadvantaged Areas Relief may be available in nearly 2,000 areas throughout the UK. In England and Wales, they are based on electoral wards. Residential purchases under £150,000 may be eligible for stamp duty relief. Above £150k, no stamp duty relief may be available. 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. 'Mixed use' property, including a shop with an apartment above, may also receive stamp duty relief.