"When buying or selling in Staffordshire, who you know matters as much as what you know. Associations with local authorities and other sources of detailed Staffordshire issues are maintained by our Solicitors to streamline the Conveyancing process.

We have assisted home movers throughout Staffordshire, including Conveyancing in B77, DE13, DY3, DY7, ST10, WS11, WS12, WV6, WV8."

Local issues considered by Staffordshire Conveyancing Solicitors:

Staffordshire Stamp Duty Relief

Disadvantaged areas relief may be available for property bought in around 2,000 locations across the country. Areas designated are identified by local government ward or electoral divisions. These wards do not always coincide with postcode districts, so the postcode search tool cannot always be relied on. If it is thought that a property is in a disadvantaged area, but an online search does not confirm this, it may be necessary to make further enquiries with the local council. A postcode search will usually determine whether a home being sold for less than the threshold is eligible. For more information regarding Staffordshire disadvantaged areas, or to determine if your prospective purchase qualifies, call us today.

Disadvantaged areas in Staffordshire include Burton, Cross Heath, Holditch.

Is your new home located in an Engish Heritage at risk conservation area?

Conservation areas are designated by Local Authorities to oversee change in residential areas that people want to protect from decay. Unfortunately however, many are being neglected e.g. increase in unsympathetic replacement doors and windows - typically pvc replacements instead of original sash type.

The following conservation areas are reported as at risk:

• Alton and Farley - poor, low vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Cheadle - very bad, low vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Leek - very bad, low vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Rugeley Town Centre - at risk, unknown vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Talbot Street / Lichfield Street - at risk, unknown vulnerability and deteriorating.
• Penkridge - very bad, medium vulnerability and deteriorating.

Will your new home in Staffordshire be affected by HS2?

Development of High Speed 2, commonly known as HS2, is now underway, linking the Capital with Scotland. The first phase is between London and the West Midlands and could be up and running by 2026. However, construction works are due to begin as soon 2017. The line will cross over 20 local authorities, and people are understandably concerned about its impact on the value and enjoyment of their homes. A search by your property lawyer will indicate if a Staffordshire residence is within two hundred metres of the planned route. The impact of HS2 can range from compulsory purchase of your home, to noise and other disruption and/or a reduction in the value of your home.

Should you get a more accurate HS2 search?

Homes beyond the 200m threshold identified a local authority search will still be affected by issues such as noise, construction and road traffic. Nearby residents will likely experience disruption as a result of HS2 construction, which could last upwards of 8 years. Fortunately, the more detailed HIGHSPEED 2 search encompasses the area within a 1,000 metre radius of a property. This report is also backed by £10 million professional indemnity insurance. If you are concerned and want more detailed information you should raise this with your conveyancing solicitor.

My property is within 200 metres of HS2 - should I be worried?

Homes beyond the 200m threshold identified a local authority search will still be affected by issues such as noise, construction and road traffic. This is primarily why a detailed search will be useful, offering more information as to HS2's impact on homes lying very close to the line. For homeowners whose properties are blighted, the government has announced that a new package of compensation. These measures to help those affected by the scheme are expected to be in place by Autumn 2012. Fridaysmove do not intend to comment on the merits of the HS2 scheme.