The benefits of access to local area information when you move are considerable. Associations with local authorities and other Kilburn and West Hampstead information sources, such as water and drainage providers, are maintained by our Solicitors and they are also cognisant of the issues and considerations native to the area.

Kilburn and West Hampstead Stamp Duty Relief

Disadvantaged areas relief may be available for property bought in around 2,000 locations across the country. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. No stamp duty is payable on residential property purchases where the price paid is under £150,000. Above £150k, no stamp duty relief may be available. By making a straightforward search by postcode, you can usually determine if a property purchase below £150,000 will benefit, however. 'Mixed use' property, including a shop with an apartment above, may also receive stamp duty relief.

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

Panels of solicitors are maintained by mortgage lenders in order to undertake legal work on mortgaged properties. However, mortgage lenders have started removing firms which do not carry out much work for them, or have not met certain additional criteria. These options are available to any homebuyer whose solicitor is not on their lender's panel:

• Try to obtain a mortgage from another lender who will instruct your Conveyancing solicitor.
• Instruct another firm of Conveyancing solicitors who are on your lender's panel to handle your Conveyancing.
• Continue with your present Conveyancing solicitor, but accept that a separate firm will also act for the lender, and that you will have to pay their costs in addition.

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

Official Local Authority Searches in Kilburn and West Hampstead

If your are intending to purchase a property in Kilburn and West Hampstead your solicitor will apply for Local Authority Searches. The Local Authority for Kilburn and West Hampstead is London Borough of Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE. Tel: 020 7974 4447