Key Elements And Structures Of Freehold Property Transaction Flashcards
What are the different stages of conveyancing?
Per-contract stage
Exchange of contracts
Pre-completion stage
Completion
Post-completion stage
What is the pre-contract stage?
Starts with solicitors taking instructions, establishing consensus and identifying issues that may cause delay, frustration and costs.
Carry out additional searches and enquiries about boundaries, titles, access, disputes, previous word.
What is the pre-completion stage?
Only when contracts are exchanges that parties are BOUND to complete.
Spent making sure al correct documentation and completion money will be available on completion date.
Transfer deed will need to be prepared and executed. Completion searches to ensure everything is still Vaud.
What is the post-completion stage
Both sides must finalise administrative matters.
Ensure that any mortgage the seller had is paid off and removed from the title (usually an undertaking)
Buyer solicitor must ensure SDLT or LTT is paid on teh transfer, and register the client as the new owner of the property
What are the law society conveyancing protocls?
They apply to residential conveyancing ONLY.
It is designed to standardise the residential conveyancing process, set of instructions as to how to carry out a residential sale and purchase and is accompanied by standard documents.
What is the standard form for pre-contract enquiries to the seller that the sellers solicitor will ask their client to complete>
TA06, the property information form
What is CQS?
Conveyancing quality scheme. All firms that undertake residential conveyancing and want to be part of CQS are requires to comply with Protocl, Charter, mandatory training and enforcement procedures.
Who drafts the contract?
Sellers solicitor
Who drafts the transfer deed?
Buyers solicitor
Who drafts the mortgage deed, if acting for lender?
Buyers solicitor
Who raises pre-completion spaces and enquiries?
Buyers solicitor
Who submits report on title and certificate of title to lender and requests for mortgage pre-completion stage?
Buyers solicitor
Can you act for a seller and a buyer?
NO, conflict of interest nay arise. May not seem like it at first, but it will
Can a solicitor act for joint buyers?
Usually acceptable to act, provided that solciitor complies with code of conduct. May be necessary to advise residential buyers separately about how they want to hold the equitable interest.
Can you act for borrower and lender?
Yes, is common. Must make sure the risk of conflict f interest is not high though (2 situations where it is hig)
What are the 2 situations where risk of conflict of interest is high between borrower and lender?
If the mortgage is not a standard mortgage of property to be used as borrowers private residence
If the mortgage is a standard mortgage, but you do not use the approved certificate of title.
Can you act for joint borrowers?
Usually yes, provided no conflict of interest.
Make sure there is no undue influence if it is husband and wife and asking for house to be enforced security.
What are contract races and what must a solicitor do?
Where a seller client is selling a property using a contract race- pre-contract package is sent to multiple buyers, who then compete to be ready to exchange contracts first.
Where a solicitor acts for this, they MUST NOT mislead or attempt to, buyers.
This means that the buyer should inform all buyers immediately of the sellers intention to deal with more than one buyer.
If the seller refuses to agree to disclosure, solicitor cannot disclosure it, and should immediately stop acting in matter.
What is an undertaking
Statement made by or on behalf of a solciitor or firm, to someone who reasonably places reliance on it, that the solicitor or firm will do something, cause something to be done, or will not do something
What are examples of activities which the solicitor may not be in the best position to advise on, or are restricted on?
Regulated mortgage contract: If borrower is individual and lender takes first legal charge over propoerty and at leases 40 of property is intended for occupation
Regulated activities: arranging, advising on a regulated mortgage contract. Can give generic advice, r arrange with an independent client or authorised person.
What is the s 32 exemption for professional firms?
This means that solicitor can arrange or advise Ona. Regulated mortgage contract, if it DERIVES and is INCIDENTAL to the provision by the firm of professional services.
What are the different types of mortgages?
Repayment mortgages (monthly payments to lender, instalments of original and interest)
Interest only mortgages (just interest, will have to find the rest at the end)
Other types (financial schemes, that avoid payment of interest.)
What are property taxations?
SDLT, LTT.
Stamp duty land tax or land transactional tax.
When you purchase the prperty
CGT, if you make a capital gain on selling property for more (only if not residential).
What is SDLT?
A tax on TRANSACTION of a property.
Charged using separate rate of tax per portion of purchase price.
What are the basic charges for residential freehold property, SDLT?
<250,000 : 0%
250,000-925,000 : 5%
925,000-1,500,000 : 10%
Remainder : 12%
Are chattels included in the SDLT?
No, SDLT is payable on the LAND, which includes fixtures, but not chattels, so if the sale involves valuable chattels (curtains, carpets), it may be possible to SAVE SDLT by apportioning part of the purchase price to the chattels.
What are the basic charge for non-residential or mixed use freehold property, SDLT?
<150,000 : 0%
150,000-250,000 : 2%
Exceeds 250,000 : 5%
How is SDLT paid?
Paid to HMRC. Online bank transfer, and form SDLT1.
When must SDLT be paid?
Within 14 days of COMPLETION.
If SDLT is not paid within 14 days, what happens?
The transfer of teh property to the buyer will not be registered by the land registry.
Attracts penalties and interest