Conveyancing Fees For Disabled

whambam

Hello,

Do people who rely solely on benefits as their income exempt from conveyancing fees or can get legal aid if they want to be a first time buyer or move home due to existing unsuitable accommodation?

Thanks.

HampshireH

Why would they?

If they can afford to buy a house then they should factor the fees in. If they can't afford them then they can't really afford to be a home owner.

I'm not really sure what being disabled has to do with it or why they would consider they would get conveyancing for free as a result.

Legal aid is for court representation either criminal or civil.

AdrianC

whambam wrote: »

Do people who rely solely on benefits as their income exempt from conveyancing fees

You may find a solicitor willing to work for free just for the satisfaction of helping a client who's sufficiently well-off to buy a property...

Good luck with that.

I suspect it's going to be even less easy than being able to afford to buy a property whilst "relying solely on benefits".

whambam

HampshireH wrote: »

Why would they?

If they can afford to buy a house then they should factor the fees in. If they can't afford them then they can't really afford to be a home owner.

I'm not really sure what being disabled has to do with it or why they would consider they would get conveyancing for free as a result.

Legal aid is for court representation either criminal or civil.

Because they are unable to work and they ARE schemes out their that help disabled/elderly people own their own homes such as the LIFT/HOLD schemes. They do not have a regular income like the rest of us do, however that shouldn't be a barrier for them to be a homeowner. It's discrimination to tell a disabled person you are not allowed to own a home due to your disability.

Someone from the legal aid board told me they may get conveyancing fees however it depends on the current circumstances such as divorce, or eviction but not moving due to unsuitable accommodation.

AdrianC wrote: »

You may find a solicitor willing to work for free just for the satisfaction of helping a client who's sufficiently well-off to buy a property...

Good luck with that.

I suspect it's going to be even less easy than being able to afford to buy a property whilst "relying solely on benefits".

It's been done I've read loads of stories.

LilElvis

whambam wrote: »

Because they are unable to work and they ARE schemes out their that help disabled/elderly people own their own homes such as the LIFT/HOLD schemes. They do not have a regular income like the rest of us do, however that shouldn't be a barrier for them to be a homeowner. It's discrimination to tell a disabled person you are not allowed to own a home due to your disability.

Someone from the legal aid board told me they may get conveyancing fees however it depends on the current circumstances such as divorce, or eviction but not moving due to unsuitable accommodation.



It's been done I've read loads of stories.

It's not discrimination. Disabled people are free to buy a home in exactly the same way that an able-bodied person does - and that includes paying legal fees. Next your going to suggest that their removals should be free of charge as well.

I'm sure the many disabled people who are employed would take offense at your characterizing them as not having "a regular income like the rest of us". By the "rest of us" I assume you mean the able-bodied - that's truly insulting.

whambam

LilElvis wrote: »

It's not discrimination. Disabled people are free to buy a home in exactly the same way that an able-bodied person does - and that includes paying legal fees. Next your going to suggest that their removals should be free of charge as well.

You've not read the question properly or understood it. It's due to their income that they are unable to afford legal fees.

Many people view that benefits are seen as income, however under regulations and acts income and benefits are separate entities they are 2 different mechanisms in law.

LilElvis

whambam wrote: »

You've not read the question properly or understood it. It's due to their income that they are unable to afford legal fees.

Many people view that benefits are seen as income, however under regulations and acts income and benefits are separate entities they are 2 different mechanisms in law.

Countless people who work can't afford to buy a house. If someone can't afford the relatively small fees charged by a conveyancer then how do you think they're going to be able to maintain a property? A new boiler costs more than conveyancing.

whambam

whats your definition of small fees they are over £1000 pounds usually. For someone earning minimum wage yes its reasonable but someone solely on benefits who has had cuts is massive.

You can get boiler insurance to replace the boiler simple.

They can ask charities to help with emergencies.

KatieDee

whambam wrote: »

Because they are unable to work and they ARE schemes out their that help disabled/elderly people own their own homes such as the LIFT/HOLD schemes. They do not have a regular income like the rest of us do, however that shouldn't be a barrier for them to be a homeowner. It's discrimination to tell a disabled person you are not allowed to own a home due to your disability.

Someone from the legal aid board told me they may get conveyancing fees however it depends on the current circumstances such as divorce, or eviction but not moving due to unsuitable accommodation.



It's been done I've read loads of stories.

I think if you've read loads of stories and have a good idea of these options available to those on a low income, you should probably look to these sources as opposed to asking on here.

Not to say they don't exist, it just seems like you're trying to prove very well informed people wrong by suggesting your anecdotal evidence supersedes their knowledge and experience. It would probably be easier just to ask the people you know of who have used such a scheme.

whambam

there is no forum on it just articles. I'm not trying to prove anything. I am seeing what options are our their for disabled people. I do not have their phone number or email address you know.

pphillips

I think it's sufficient that disabled people get grants to adapt their homes but free conveyancing out of legal aid for those on benefits is a step to far. Most people would start wondering why the benefits system is so generous that recipients can afford to buy houses. What would be the incentive for disabled people to work?