solicitor for flat purchase, london

cyclegypsy

Hi All

I am a first home buyer, buying ex-local authority in London. May have found a property and don't know of any reasonably priced solicitors in London.

Also is there anyway I can do some of this work myself. I have called the council office and after being transfered a few time, the lady said I would have to ask the estate agent to ask the owner if I had queries, as they are unable to give me details about the property. For example - is there any work soon to be carried out on the building, who is the freeholder and how do they operate.

Any ideas on solictors or the other gratefully recieved.

Reaper

Sounds like you are talking about DIY Conveyancing. Be aware it is complex, a mortgage lender might not want you to do it yourself, and if you get it wrong it could be disasterous (eg you fail to spot the seller wasn't entitled to sell the property).

I suggest you start by buying a book on the subject, it takes more than the odd tip from these forums.

If you do decide to do it consider hiring a solicitor to do final checks on all your paperwork at the end.

Personally I'd suggest you let the solicitor do the whole lot.

Robert_Sterling_3

I agree with Reaper.
It is nice to have someone to blame if things go wrong.
Solicitors in London do not come cheap.

cyclegypsy

OK

Need to get a solicitor, can anyone suggest one in London!!

gypsy

Reaper

If London solicitors are too expensive then see if one outside London will take you on.

There is no real need to ever meet your solicitor, you occasionally have to sign something but that can be done by post.

I moved twice using a solicitor miles away and only had to visit once (due to a last minute hic-up).

In fact, you could try my solicitor. About a dozen of my friends have used her without a single complaint. That's pretty rare - there are a lot of useless ones out there.

It's Sumner & Main in Worthing. The company consists of two sisters, both just as good as each other. Call 01903 239420. No idea if they will cover London but worth a try.

cyclegypsy

Reaper

Thanks for this. I will give them a call.

GDB2222

Reaper

Thanks for this. I will give them a call.

If you still need someone in London, try Stanley Jacobs. Very, very thorough.

Bozzy20

try :- http://www.joslinrhodes.co.uk/conveyancing.html

littleangel

Hello, I've replied to one of your other posts as well so I won't repeat myself but I'd say (a) don't DIY - I've got a law degree that admittedly, I'm not using in day-to-day life, but still preferred to get someone else to do it. If they screw up, they have insurance! Ex-local authority places - check the leasehold agreement and service charges and you should be fine... and (b) you don't need a solicitor in London. Everything can be done via post / email. Mine was in Birmingham (a recommendation from a friend in Norfolk who's bought 3 and sold 1 place through him and neither of us have ever met him) and he was fantastic - happy to recommend and pass on details as and when your estate agent gets his **** together... good luck!!!

LD

well most has been said, but apart from solicitors there are licensed conveyors who are also insured.
do a google search for fixed price services

skyhilee

Hi
Would not mind having details of your solicitor in Birmingham if you would not mind. I find it is quite difficult to get very good personal recommendations.
Cheers