The Practical Lawyer

The LR has published new guidance on what to do when there are discrepancies or variations in the names on deeds sent for registration.

On a first sale, when an NHBC certificate is being offered, the conveyancer should check the names (i) in the contract and (ii) in the NHBC documentation.

Can a seller serve a notice to complete if they have already obtained vacant possession of the property?

The ‘registration gap’ is the time between (i) completion and (ii) registration at the LR. Since it is not (yet) possible to have an instantaneous completion and registration, there will always be a period of time when the new ’owner’ is not registered.

A buyer (or seller) will often ask if there is some way of tying in the other side, before formal exchange of contract.

A new-build ‘warranty scheme’, such as the NHBC, is needed because there will usually be no privity of contract between the building contractor and the buyer.

If a client buys off-plan, then what is the relevant date for capital gains tax purposes? In particular, how does this impact on the availability of principal private residence relief?

The LR will no longer reject an application to register a lease if the following prescribed clauses have not been completed: title number; full names and addresses of the parties to the lease; and details of the terms of the lease.

If you are acting on behalf of someone buying in Cheshire then it will usually be negligent not to obtain a salt search.

To what extent can you rely on searches done by a third party (eg the seller, or another prospective buyer)?