"Knowledge of the local Wootton area is key to an easier, faster move. Relevant and up-to-date area information is gathered by our Property Lawyers thanks to their network of Wootton contacts. They are also cognisant of the issues and considerations native to the area.

We have assisted home movers throughout Wootton, including Conveyancing in NN4."

Local issues considered by Wootton Conveyancing Solicitors:

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. More recently, lenders have begun to remove firms which have either not completed many conveyancing transactions or have failed to meet other criteria. To proceed where your Wootton lawyer is not on a mortgage lender' s panel, you have the following options:

• Try to obtain a mortgage from another lender who will instruct your Conveyancing solicitor.
• Instruct another firm of Conveyancing solicitors who are on your lender's panel to handle your Conveyancing.
• Continue with your present Conveyancing solicitor, but accept that a separate firm will also act for the lender, and that you will have to pay their costs in addition.

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. 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 Wootton area.

Searches in Wootton

When purchasing a home in Wootton a Solicitor is required to apply to the council for Local Authority Searches. These enquiries offer information affecting the property . The Local Authority for Wootton is Northampton Borough Council, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DE. Tel: 01604 837 837 or out of hours emergencies on: 01452 396 220

Does your Wootton purchase qualify for Stamp Duty Relief?

Purchases of property in Wootton 'disadvantaged areas' are eligible for stamp duty, using local government wards to delineate boundaries. Wootton residential property under £150,000 within one of these areas is exempt from stamp duty. Note that normal rates of duty apply sales above £150,000. For a purchase below the threshold, it is worth making a simple postcode search to find out if a property is in a disadvantaged area. 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.