When a solicitor is handling the purchase of a property, they typically raise a series of enquiries to gather important information about the property and ensure that the buyer is fully informed. Some common enquiries conducted by a solicitor when buying a property may include:
Title Deeds
The solicitor will review the title deeds to verify the legal ownership of the property and check for any restrictions or covenants that may affect it.
Property Information Form
The seller fills out this form with details about the property, including boundaries, fixtures and fittings, disputes, and any alterations made to the property.
Fixtures and Fittings List
The solicitor will clarify which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale and ensure that both parties agree on what is being sold with the property.
Planning and Building Regulations
The solicitor will check if any planning permissions were obtained for alterations or extensions to the property and if the necessary building regulations were complied with.
Services and Utilities
Enquiries may be made to confirm the services and utilities connected to the property, such as water, gas, electricity, and drainage.
Boundaries and Rights of Way
The solicitor may investigate the property boundaries, rights of way, access rights, and any other legal easements that may affect the property.
Leasehold Information
If the property is leasehold, the solicitor will request information about the lease terms, service charges, ground rent, and any other relevant details.
By raising these enquiries, the solicitor can ensure that the buyer has a comprehensive understanding of the property they are purchasing and can identify any potential issues or concerns that need to be addressed before completing the transaction.