Moving house is one of the most stressful things any of us do. Just thinking about it raises the blood pressure. Rachel Chamley, Conveyancing Executive at Harold Stock & Co Solicitors, takes us through some of the common questions our clients ask about moving home and the Conveyancing process.
[Read more…] about 15 Common Conveyancing QuestionsProperty
Conveyancing searches: why are they necessary for a house or flat purchase?
Searches are a necessary and crucial part of the conveyancing process. Although they are not a legal requirement for a purchase of a property, particularly if you are a cash buyer, your conveyancing solicitor would normally recommend that these searches are carried out so that you know all the essential information about the property and land you are buying. If you are buying the property with the help of a mortgage, then your lender will usually insist on searches being carried out.
[Read more…] about Conveyancing searches: why are they necessary for a house or flat purchase?What is chancel repair liability and could it affect the property you’re thinking of buying?
Have you ever heard of the legal term chancel repair liability? The chances are the answer is probably not. Not too many people have, and even fewer actually understand what it actually is. Yet, if you’re thinking of buying a property, it’s a search issue, just like the other more-common local, environmental, drainage and mining searches, that your solicitor may need to look in to during the course of a domestic conveyance. So what is chancel repair liability?
[Read more…] about What is chancel repair liability and could it affect the property you’re thinking of buying?Hooray Hooray, it’s a happy holiday!
As expected, the chancellor announced in yesterday’s budget that the Stamp Duty holiday in England will be extended from 31st March 2021 to 30th June 2021. This will bring a great deal of relief to many buyers in England in these testing times.
So what does this mean for you?
Up to and including 30th June 2021 – Stamp Duty Land Tax will not be payable on purchases up to £500,000 on the basis that they legally complete on or before 30th June 2021.
Up to and including 30th June 2021 – Stamp duty land tax will not be payable on all purchases up to £500,000 on the basis that they legally complete on or before 30th June 2021.
From 1st July 2021 up to and including 30th September 2021 – Stamp duty land tax will not be payable on all purchases up to £250,000 after which tax is payable at the standard rate.
From 1st October 2021 onwards, the threshold will return to £125,000 and tax will be payable on all properties valued over that.
For any purchases that attract the additional property charge, the 3% will still be payable
To guide you through the conveyancing process our experienced team are here to help call on 01457 835597.
National Lockdown – Can I move house?
The short answer is “Yes you can!”
In the current climate, we appreciate that moving house may be more difficult than it would normally be, but whilst the lockdown rules have changed, house moves are still permitted to go ahead.
Our offices may be closed but we continue to work and are still available to assist you with all your conveyancing needs. In some cases, this may be from a laptop on our dining room tables and we may or may not be wearing slippers, but you can rest assured that the commitment to client service will still remain!

Whilst Guidance issued by the UK Government states people can still move home, anyone outside of your household or support bubble should not help with moving, unless absolutely necessary.
Estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work with property viewings still also allowed if anyone is looking to move.
It has been stressed the importance of following the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing, letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering.
If you require any assistance with your home move or have enquiries prior to committing to new sale or purchase please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to help on 0330 400 4040 or info@haroldstock.com
We know that you may be juggling more than you are used to at the moment and that 9-5 does not always suit you. We get it. Our staff are working flexibly around child care, homeschooling and other responsibilities too. It means that should you need it, we can schedule an appointment at a time to suit you, just let us know.
Major boost for Property Teams
Our Commercial and Residential Property teams received a major boost this week with two new appointments.
Sarah Major joins the Residential Property Team as Head of Department. Sarah is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and has over 20 years experience in residential property and prides herself on her empathetic nature and ability to guide her clients through the conveyancing process, reducing the stress that inevitably comes with a house move.
Richard Longton joins our Commercial Property Team as a Consultant Solicitor. Richard is a highly experienced Solicitor specialising in Real Estate, Real Estate Finance and Development Finance.
Both join us at an ideal time as we see record numbers of instructions from clients looking to make the most of the Stamp Duty holiday and commercial clients looking to restructure and refinance their businesses.