frequently asked questions
Why are you so cheap?
When we designed our fee structure we wanted to keep costs to a minimum, so we broke down all our fees and only charge you for the services which you require. For example, if you aren’t buying with a mortgage we won’t charge you for acting for the lender. This way, you don’t pay a set fee for the whole package, only those fees for the services which you need. Furthermore, we keep our administration costs to a minimum and pass the savings on to you. For example we will not send you large documents like a Home Information Pack by post, we will send them to you via email.
Does your quote include search?
As of 21st May 2010 HIP requirements in relation to the marketing of a property have been suspended, therefore, there is no need to have a HIP in place / ordered to allow a property to be marketed. From the date of suspension it is however necessary for a seller of a property to have and EPC available or at least commissioned so as to be available within 28 days of marketing of the property.
If the property you are purchasing has a HIP in place and the searches contained within that HIP are still valid and acceptable to your lender we will undertake the following searches on your behalf:- Environmental and any specialist searches depending upon the area in which you are purchasing i.e. Coal, Cheshire Brine, Tin.
Where there is no HIP or valid searches we will carry out the following searches: - Local, Water, Environmental, Specialist.
Do you undertake nationwide work? Is it a problem if I am in another part of the country?
We undertake conveyancing work in all areas of England and Wales, but not Scotland or Ireland. It is not a problem if you are elsewhere in the country as we will correspond with you via e-mail, post or telephone.
Do I need to come to your offices?
No. We undertake all of the work via the post, email or on the telephone.
Are you on my lender’s panel?
We are on the panel for most lenders. However, if you are concerned please check with your lender.
Will I receive a poorer service using an online company?
No! We are a Legal 500 Firm and our service is second to none. We are different to most online conveyancing services in that we do not operate a ‘call centre’ type set up, we give you a single point of contact at the outset of the transaction, with direct telephone and email contact.
What if we don’t proceed to completion? Will I still be charged?
We offer a No Completion No Fee option which costs £34.00 + VAT and is payable at the outset. If the matter then does not proceed to completion, we won’t charge you any legal fees, only disbursements which have been incurred on your behalf and which are payable to outside agencies like the Land Registry.. If this option is not taken and the matter doesn’t proceed, we will charge a fee proportionate to the amount of time spent on the matter. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.
Do you act on property transactions throughout the UK?
No, we can only act on properties in England and Wales
Is your law firm regulated by the Law Society?
As a firm of solicitors we are regulated by the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Will I be dealing with one person throughout?
Yes, you will be assigned a dedicated fee earner who you will deal with through the transaction. You will have direct contact details for that person. If that person is not available due to holiday or sickness, your file will be dealt with by a colleague.
How long will it take?
A typical transaction usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks, however the completion date could be affected by external factors such as the number of properties in the chain. You can rest assured that HK Conveyancing will work as quickly as possible to ensure the matter is completed in good time.
There is no stamp duty payable on my purchase - why do I need to have a Stamp Duty Land Transaction Form?
Even though stamp duty is not payable, all ‘land transactions’ must be notified to revenue & customs on an SDLT Form. The form is an 8 page self assessment tax form, which gives revenue & customs all the details of the transaction. We will do this on your behalf because it is lenghty and can be complicated, and revenue & customs will charge you a penalty if it is not submitted in time. Please see our terms and conditions for details of all fees.
Will my quote reflect the actual fee that I will pay on completion?
Yes. However there may be circumstances where your legal fees increase depending upon the complexity of the file. We will notify you of any changes as soon as possible and certainly in advance of your final invoice.