Buying or selling property in New Cross? Local know-how will make the difference. Your Property Lawyer will use their working associations with the local authority and other bodies to deliver better results.

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 New Cross 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

Are you eligible for New Cross stamp duty relief?

Stamp duty relief may be available for property purchases in New Cross 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.

Searches

If your are planning to buy a new home in New Cross a conveyancer is required to conduct Searches (Con 29 enquiries, LLC1 and Con29 Part 2). The Local Authority for New Cross is London Borough of Lewisham Council, Town Hall, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. Tel: