London – it's not just what you know, it's who you know.

The London property market is a law unto itself and it's critical that your Solicitor knows the fastest way of collating information for your home purchase or sale. Our recommended London Solicitors have the &lsinside tracks with all 32 London Boroughs and the City of London meaning faster conveyancing and a quicker move for you.

We also have close contact with the head office of the Land Registry which was for many years in Lincolnss Inn Fields in Central London, but has now moved to Trafalgar House, 1 Bedford Park, Croydon, CR0 2AQ in South London.

The government has designated numerous areas within greater London as being disadvantaged areas for stamp duty purposes. This means that anyone buying a property in one of those areas may not have to pay stamp duty. Your Solicitor will check if your home is eligible for this relief.

Knowledge of road and railway schemes in London:

The Greater London Authority (in conjunction with Transport for London) is responsible for overall transport strategy in London. With continuing pressure on transport facilities in the London area, there are several plans and proposals for future railway development and the extension and upgrading of existing lines. In particular work on the Crossrail scheme is now in hand at several locations, while plans for the proposed HS2 line will affect many properties in parts of North West London. Your Solicitor will have details of any plans that might affect property in your area, and the impact that might have on your future home.

Useful Addresses

The Law Society is based in London at 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL, Tel: 020 7242 1222."

Local issues considered by London Conveyancing Solicitors:

London Searches for Contaminated Land

There can be significant implications for anyone buying a house which has been built on contaminated land, and if land on or near a property is recognised as contaminated within the statutory definition, this information will be included in a local search. Landowners whose land is contaminated may be liable for the cost of remedial works, and the cost implications can be substantial. A premium to cover loss of a homes value, or costs associated with remedial work, may be advised. These are generally inexpensive. Contaminated land may pose the following dangers exposure to toxic metals, waste chemicals, and radioactive material.

Landfill sites in the local area:

• Westmill 2 Landfill Site, Lower Hatfield Road, , SG12 0ES. The site has not been classified.
• Westmill 1 Landfill Site, Westmill Quarry, Westmill Road, Hertfordshire, SG12 0ES. The site has been classified as non-hazardous.
• Presdales Pit, Ware, Presdales Pit, Hoe Lane, Hertfordshire, SG12 9NX. The site has not been classified.
• Shorts Landfill, Ascot, Sl5, Short Transfer Station, St George Lane, Berkshire, SL5. The site has been classified as non-hazardous.
• Clackett Lane Pit, Land/ Premises At, Clackett Lane, Kent, TN16 2EP. The site has not been classified.

Council Tax Rates in London

When you are purchasing a property, your conveyancing solicitor will make enquires on your behalf to establish the council tax banding of the home. Greenwich Council is responsible for council tax in London. The bandings for 2012/13 are* -

• Band A - £859
• Band B - £1002
• Band C - £1145
• Band D - £1288
• Band E - £1574
• Band F - £1860
• Band G - £2146
• Band H - £2576

*Source - www.communities.gov.uk

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in London

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. For homes bought for less than £150,000, this relief may be available. If a search does not confirm whether am property is in a disadvantaged area, your solicitor should contact the local authority. 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. For more information regarding London disadvantaged areas, or to determine if your prospective purchase qualifies, call us today.

Disadvantaged areas in London include Haggerston, Shadwell, Weavers, Hoe Street, Lea Bridge, Leyton, West Ham, Limehouse, Millwall, Higham Hill, Chatham, Leabridge, New River, Springfield, Barnsbury, King's Cross, White Hart Lane, Bruce Grove, Harringay, Seven Sisters, West Green, Clissold, , Junction, Tollington, Noel Park, Brownswood, Church Street, Regent's Park, Gospel Oak, Harrow Road, Kilburn, Parsloes, Bishop's, Chaucer, Newington, Prince's, Oval, Grove Park, Rotherhithe, Faraday, Glyndon, Woolwich Common, Gipsy Hill, Knight's Hill, Charlton, Vassall, Latchmere, Larkhall, Stockwel.