Residential Property Archives | Sills & Betteridge Solicitors

Seven property scams, and how to avoid them

Fraud is on the rise in all areas of our lives, and unfortunately property is no exception. Last year saw a 29 per cent increase in conveyancing scams, with homebuyers particularly vulnerable.

The Role of Guarantees and Warranties in a House Purchase

One of the advantages of buying a new home is that it should come with a guarantee from the builder. Likewise, if you are buying a property which the seller has recently improved, it may benefit from a guarantee or warranty covering that work. These can provide peace of mind, but how valuable are they in practice and can you rely on them?

What happens after Completion of your property purchase?

If you are buying a home, you will probably breathe a sigh of relief on completion as you pick up the keys to your new home and can finally move in. However, this is not the end of the conveyancing process, and there are several things your solicitor must still do to protect your interests.

Selling a Property With a Short Lease

If you own a leasehold property, on a day-to-day basis you may not notice any differences from owning a freehold. However, leasehold means you do not own your property outright, only the right to occupy it for a set number of years. Your property is therefore a depreciating asset.

Selling A Shared Ownership Property

The popularity of shared ownership continues to grow; there are now over quarter of a million shared ownership homes in the country. The appeal is understandable; it bridges the gap between renting and outright ownership and has helped many take a first step onto the property ladder. However, it differs significantly from more conventional forms of ownership.

Financial Checks When Buying a Property

When buying a property, your solicitor must carry out some important checks to verify your identity and check your source of funds. Sadly fraud has become an increasing problem in recent years, with professional criminals targeting conveyancers and home buyers in what are often very sophisticated scams. It can be easy to lower your guard in the excitement of buying your new home.