Self Conveyancing as a Buyer - Apparent FREE ID1 Catch 22 - SO YOU MUST PAY?

quoia

Hi everyone

Thought this would be simple - probably the least complicated house purchase possible.

We want to buy the house next door to our current home (retaining it - so not selling), that we've owned and lived in for 38 years. So we know everything about it, the area etc. and decided we could manage without any searches of any sort.

Neighbour passed away about a year ago and a daughter is dealing with the sale.
Approached her at the outset and said we were interested, said she could avoid the need and cost of an estate agent.
We agreed on a price, £105,000, and shook on the deal.
It'll be a cash purchase, so no mortgage lender involved, for the freehold and it's not a new registration


So a cash purchase of next door from the late owner's estate via a daughter, with no stamp duty to pay. SIMPLES !

Firstly, thought we could use the same solicitors (Hers - the daughter) to save costs and complications. Turns out "they say" NOT possible - conflict of interests ! What conflict ?

Thought it was a "legal thing" then found this today.

http://www.taylorwalton.co.uk/services-for-individuals/conveyancing-solicitors/frequently-asked-questions/

23. Can the same firm of solicitors act for seller and buyer?
Yes provided both clients agree and provided there is no conflict of interest.

So back to "What conflict?"

Visited her solicitors today - the CATCH 22 - Unless we pay.

Gave them the TR1 and asked what else they wanted.
2 completed and certified ID1 forms was the answer.
This is identification document that the Land Registry require to action the transfer of ownership etc when filing form AP1.

IF both of us go to the Land Registry with completed TR1 and AP1 forms, take our passports etc. then they will do it there and then for FREE.
But they can't validate an ID1 before the presentation of TR1 and AP1 - ONLY done at the same time

Problem is I can't present a completed TR1 until the seller's solicitors has returned it with their bits filled in, something that happens AFTER exchange of contracts/completion and we've transferred money in their direction.
BUT, BUT, BUT, the solicitors have said they won't part with their bank details or accept money from us (in any form eg cheque) until we've "proved" who we are with a ID1 because of money laundering.

Can't get FREE ID1s (at the Land Registry) without a finalised TR1
Can't get a finalised TR1 without having ID1s

HER solicitors won't validate OUR ID1s - (conflict again?) - so we still need some of our own solicitors to do it. Best offer so far is £180 :eek:
(to look at our faces, a couple of photos and check passport details and sign a form)

I spoke to Land Registry customer service who said "ID1 IS FOR US" (the land registry) and not for the solicitors identification check.
Why can't her solicitors confirm we are who we say we are from passport, driving licence, credit/bank cards and associated statements, or up to a dozen household bills?
Or are they just being awkward?

G_M

quoia wrote: »

.......

Firstly, thought we could use the same solicitors (Hers - the daughter) to save costs and complications. Turns out "they say" NOT possible - conflict of interests ! What conflict ?

Thought it was a "legal thing" then found this today.

http://www.taylorwalton.co.uk/services-for-individuals/conveyancing-solicitors/frequently-asked-questions/

23. Can the same firm of solicitors act for seller and buyer?
Yes provided both clients agree and provided there is no conflict of interest.

So back to "What conflict?"

Very few solicitors will agree to act for both sides, and quite right too. If any issue arises, each solicior must represent their own client to resolve the issue.

Yes in theory one solicitor could act for both, if both clients confirm, in writing, they understand & accept the risks, but frankly the risk to the solicitor is greater - if a problem arose, the Law Society would scrutinise what they did and why and their professional careers could theoretically be put in jeopardy.

Visited her solicitors today - the CATCH 22 - Unless we pay.

Gave them the TR1 and asked what else they wanted.
2 completed and certified ID1 forms was the answer.
This is identification document that the Land Registry require to action the transfer of ownership etc when filing form AP1.
Correct

IF both of us go to the Land Registry with completed TR1 and AP1 forms, take our passports etc. then they will do it there and then for FREE.
Correct
But they can't validate an ID1 before the presentation of TR1 and AP1 - ONLY done at the same time

Problem is I can't present a completed TR1 until the seller's solicitors has returned it with their bits filled in, something that happens AFTER exchange of contracts/completion and we've transferred money in their direction.
BUT, BUT, BUT, the solicitors have said they won't part with their bank details or accept money from us (in any form eg cheque) until we've "proved" who we are with a ID1 because of money laundering.
So get your ID verified in advance
* another solicitor would charge you £10-£20 for this. Or do it free if, for example, they are preparing a will for you at same time.
* your bank might do it free, as might your financial adviser

Can't get FREE ID1s (at the Land Registry) without a finalised TR1
Can't get a finalised TR1 without having ID1s

HER solicitors won't validate OUR ID1s - (conflict again?) - so we still need some of our own solicitors to do it. Best offer so far is £180 :eek:
That's ridiculous.
(to look at our faces, a couple of photos and check passport details and sign a form)

Compared to the cost of instructing a solicitor to do the conveyancing for you, the cost of an ID check is miniscule.

Some solicitors are obstructive towards DIY conveyancers - you just have to work around them.

Thrugelmir

quoia wrote: »

HER solicitors won't validate OUR ID1s - (conflict again?) - so we still need some of our own solicitors to do it. Best offer so far is £180 :eek:
(to look at our faces, a couple of photos and check passport details and sign a form)

Probably as they've better things to do with their valuable time.

terryw

Yep. Last year my daughter paid £10 to another solicitor when she sold her flat.

Ring round. £180 is silly money

quoia

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Probably as they've better things to do with their valuable time.

I think they are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think their "valuable time" is worth charging £1000 an hour

AND this was my BEST offer - another lot wanted £468

alchemist.1

quoia wrote: »

I think they are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think their "valuable time" is worth charging £1000 an hour

AND this was my BEST offer - another lot wanted £468

They didnt want your business or need it. More hassle than its worth hence the ridiculous quotes.

Polite way of telling you we cant be bothered with your ID check.

quoia

alchemist.1 wrote: »

They didnt want your business or need it. More hassle than its worth hence the ridiculous quotes.

Polite way of telling you we cant be bothered with your ID check.

And a very quick way of ensuring that they will NEVER EVER get any of my business in the future.

And if any friend or relative asks for recommendations as to where to go ... it'll be a steer clear of this bunch.

alchemist.1

quoia wrote: »

And a very quick way of ensuring that they will NEVER EVER get any of my business in the future.

And if any friend or relative asks for recommendations as to where to go ... it'll be a steer clear of this bunch.

I'm sure they will miss it.

DaftyDuck

Post Office charge seven pounds....

Mind you, because they overcharge for postage, I'll never, ever, ever accept a letter from them.

Don't take offence: they really don't want the business for sensible reasons

G_M

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Post Office charge seven pounds....

Mind you, because they overcharge for postage, I'll never, ever, ever accept a letter from them.

I won't travel by train ever again. Got quoted for a ticket to London and when I told them I thought they were taking the mick the guy just said "That's the price - do you want a ticket or not?"

Cheek!

And I've told all my family to boycot the rail network too. That'll teach them!

ancientofdays

If it is simply a question of verifying your ID documents, I have done this recently, just made an appointment at a local solicitors, they charged £5 per document. If I have misunderstood, my apologies