Choosing Solicitors and buying in name of non-Uk Citizen

4bamboo

Hello -

I've posted I think only once before so a newbie.

I have made an offer on a house and need a solicitor for my situation, but afraid I may pay too much.
I will live in the house, but it will be owned by my mother who's name it will therefore be in.
I am a dual citizen, but she is not a UK citizen.

The offer was made in cash (lucky I know) so there would be NO mortgage involved.

Other than that I think the circumstances are pretty straightforward. The property has been well looked after (a T house btw) and is sold by the original owners I believe. The area is rock solid residential(so to speak) and do not expect any fancy situations involving planning changes and the like.

I've been recommended one firm in Holborn to phone(haven't done yet) and plan to phone some more for comparative quotes.

So, posting in case anyone can offer any advice or had a similar circumstance.

Thanks for reading.

maninthestreet

So your mother is buying the house, not you?

4bamboo

Yes. The house will be in my mother's name. The offer has
been accepted as well as of today, so will be phoning around tomorrow to get quotes. My mum is visiting here in mid March.

4bamboo

kick and bump

Catti

Your mother will be the client rather than you so she will need to provide ID etc at the outset and confirm to any acting solicitor that they may correspond and deal with you. As to costs, ring around a number of solicitors and see who you get on with best - it's not just cost that is important but the staff you will be dealing with!

4bamboo

Thx. Duncan Lewis and Co Solicitors are in the running as is Ambrose Applebe. Both seem pleasant enough to deal with. One appears to be somewhat dearer and that is mainly due to the 'Local Authority Search' not included in the original fee. Also, the cheaper one is closer to where I live so it is starting to look like a no brainer. But inexperience (FTB) keeps me wary.

Also, not sure how I'm charged for transferring the funds.
Both itemize a 'bank transfer' or 'Arranging and paying Telegraphic Transfer Fee'. I'm just hoping this is for all transfers as opposed to each possible transfer of funds. I really don't understand how this works or whether they are talking about a transfer from my bank to my solicitor or from my solicitor to the sellers.

my money is currently off shore but apparently no penalty/tax penalty as it is being used for property.

4bamboo

Just in case anyone can help further:

One of the firms has itemised a Local Authority Search seperately assuming the HIP pack will be out of date in this area(which it is).
The firm didn't ask or itemize separately and when I queried it just said it should be included.

The Local Authority Search in my HIP pack was dated for last June '08.