Awareness of an area's issues and concerns can mean the difference between a stress-free move, and a drawn-out and difficult process. Fridaysmove's Thames Ditton Conveyancing team is able to employ their local knowledge to help you move home sooner. In addition, areas of concern specific to the Thames Ditton region will also be examined.

Qualifying for stamp duty relief in Thames Ditton

Around 2,000 wards nationwide are eligible for stamp duty relief. Local government wards or electoral divisions are used to define the boundaries of these. No stamp duty is due for houses bought in a Thames Ditton disadvantaged area under the £150k threshold. Above £150k, no stamp duty relief may be available. A postcode search is worth undertaking to determine whether a residence under the £150k threshold is in a Disadvantaged area.

Need more information regarding stamp duty relief? Call our specialist Thames Ditton team today.

Official Searches in Thames Ditton

If your are purchasing a new home in Thames Ditton your property lawyer is required by your lender to conduct Searches (Con 29 enquiries, LLC1 and Con29 Part 2). The Local Authority for Thames Ditton is Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD. Tel: 01372 474 474

Issues to consider when your lawyer is not on your Lender's panel

Lenders once permitted any solicitors' firm to join their panel. These panels were established so that firms could join and thereby perform legal work on mortgages on behalf of lenders. Increasingly however, lenders have lowered the number of firms which they will accept and allow to perform this work. If your conveyancing solicitor is not on your preferred lender's panel, then the lender will not instruct that firm to act in connection with the mortgage. You then have a choice; you can either select a different lender or solicitor. It is possible to continue with your original choices, but your lender will expect you to pay for the legal costs relating to the mortgage. Bear in mind that it is usually more efficient and less expensive for the same firm act for you and your lender. If you decide to instruct another firm because they are on your lender's panel, you should bear in mind the following:

• The new firm might charge more or may charge additional fees.
• You might still have to pay your old firm for work they have already completed.
• The new firm may have no knowledge of the Thames Ditton area.