Yell.com Comments - conveyancing

Just today Yell.com contacted Latimer Hinks in the hope that our conveyancing department could answer a few questions. I'm not sure why or how they decided to contact Latimer Hinks for the answers (above all other conveyancers), but we're very grateful! Yell.com attracts a MASSIVE amount of traffic to their website - let's hope it does the same for us!

Here are the questions and answers:

By Nicola Neilson, Partner at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Darlington

Conveyancing: What are my rights (to a property) if I'm married or unmarried or in a civil partnership?
An individual’s rights differ in each of these situations. Therefore, it is vital for people to seek the advice of a solicitor to make sure that the appropriate legally binding agreements are drawn up which suit their circumstances.

Conveyancing: I want to sell a property - why do I need a solicitor?
A solicitor ensures a client’s interests are protected at every stage, can guide them through any complex issues that may arise, makes sure the contracts are correctly drawn up and checks things such as the ownership of the property, rights of way, access, or future developments in the area are in order.

Conveyancing: I'm buying a house and I want to rent it out. How will a solicitor help?
A solicitor has the expertise to advise on the legal obligations and the rights of someone wanting to rent out their house as well as tenancy agreements and other legal documentation.

Now you know how a solicitor can help!

Stamp Duty Land Tax Increase - complete purchases ASAP

It's extremely difficult for first time buyers to be able to take their first step onto the property ladder.

Stamp Duty Land Tax makes a hefty dent into any savings put aside to purchase a house. In order to help first time buyers the government raised the SDLT exemption to £175,000.

Currently, buyers purchasing properties over £175,000 are liable to pay 1% of the pruchase price in SDLT.

Over £250,000 to £500,000, 3% is required and
Over £500,000 4%, is required

BUT from the end of the year the threshold will return to £125,000. This will cost the buyer an extra £500 on a £175,000 property.

So, if you're waiting for a property purchase to complete this year, you may want to try to push it on a little quicker. I'd rather have £500 to treat myself for Christmas than let it go in Stamp Duty Land Tax!!


For further details - Home Buying to Get More Costly by the End of the Year

Latimer Hinks Launches HIPs Services

You either love them or hate them but it looks like Home Information Packs are here to stay.

Since 14 December 2007 every home put on the market, no matter what size, must have a Home Information Pack.

The pack brings together key information needed by buyers and sellers at the start of the process and ensures that details regarding energy efficiency are made available every time a property is sold.

Latimer Hinks is now one of a small number of law firms throughout England and Wales currently providing HIPs.

Prices start from £275 inc VAT

Click to check out further information on Home Information Packs