"Whether you are buying or selling, awareness of local considerations will positively impact the likelihood of a successful sale or purchase. Fridaysmove's Sutton Coldfield Conveyancing team is able to employ their local knowledge to help you move home sooner.

We have assisted home movers throughout Sutton Coldfield, including Conveyancing in B72, B73, B74, B75, B76."

Local issues considered by Sutton Coldfield Conveyancing Solicitors:

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in Sutton Coldfield

Stamp duty relief may be available in nearly 2,000 'disadvantaged areas' nationwide. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. These wards do not always coincide with postcode districts, so the postcode search tool cannot always be relied on. Above this designated limit of £150k, the normal rates of duty apply, and no further relief may be available. A postcode search is worth undertaking to determine whether a residence under the £150k threshold is in a Disadvantaged area. This search may not be 100% reliable, particularly in the case of new builds.

Local Council Tax Rates and Bandings

The sellers conveyancing solicitor will confirm the council tax banding and rates for the house or flat being sold. Sutton Coldfield Council Tax rates are set by Birmingham Council. 2012/13 bandings are* -

• Band A - £841
• Band B - £981
• Band C - £1121
• Band D - £1261
• Band E - £1542
• Band F - £1822
• Band G - £2102
• Band H - £2522

*Source - www.communities.gov.uk

Will your new home in Sutton Coldfield be affected by HS2?

Rail journeys between London and Scotland will become much shorter, thanks to the proposed HS2 line. The first phase of construction will occur between London and the West Midlands. Even if the planned construction work would not require the demolition of a home, it could still be affected by noise, dust and other problems while the line is under construction. Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct a local authority search which will show if the Sutton Coldfield property is or will be within 200 metres of the proposed railway route. The exact distance between a residence and the proposed route will be difficult to ascertain reliably, as will be the impact on nearby property.

Is a detailed HS2 Search worth it?

Local authorities will only provide information on the proposed HS2 development and route within a 200m radius of a property. It is obvious that properties further away will still be affected by issues such as noise pollution, vibration, construction work and increased traffic. Lasting for at least 8 years, works may cause severe disruption local Sutton Coldfield residents. 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. Your solicitor can advise further if necessary.

If my property is within 200m should I be concerned?

Local authorities will only provide information on the proposed HS2 development and route within a 200m radius of a property. It is obvious that properties further away will still be affected by issues such as noise pollution, vibration, construction work and increased traffic. The more detailed HS2 search will also provide you with more information. Certainly if the search suggests that your new home will be affected, you should bear in mind that once construction starts and the London to Birmingham HS2 Rail link becomes operational, current compensation legislation for noise and other blight factors (particularly any impact on the enjoyment of a view) can be a very drawn out and often unsatisfactory process. Fridaysmove do not intend to comment on the merits of the HS2 scheme.