Property Practice Flashcards
First stage in property sale?
Buyer’s solicitor will advise the buyer to have a surveyor carry out a physical inspection of the property. This is to determine if there any structural defects which may effect the value of the property
Professional conduct issues relative to conveyancing?
Undertaking’s
Confidentiality
Conflicts of interest
Giving co-ownership advise
What is the first step in a conveyancing transaction?
The property owner instructs an estate agent to market the property, advertise, and show it.
What document does an estate agent send after an offer is accepted?
A memorandum of sale, detailing the property, the agreed price, and the solicitors involved.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
A certificate showing a property’s energy efficiency rating from A to G. Must be valid for 10 years.
When is an EPC not required?
For listed buildings or if a valid certificate exists (less than 10 years old).
What is the purpose of the Code for Leasing Business Premises?
To set best practices for landlords when negotiating lease terms with tenants.
What must a landlord be satisfied about in an assignment of a lease?
That the incoming tenant has good financial standing and can afford the rent.
What is a License to Assign?
A document that sets the landlord’s conditions for a tenant assigning their lease
What is the seller’s solicitor’s role in the pre-contract stage?
Investigate the seller’s title, remedy defects, and prepare the contract package.
What must the seller disclose in the contract for sale?
Latent defects and encumbrances but not patent ones.
Latent Defects vs Patent defects
Latent defects: Things are things that are not apparent if someone was to inspect the property (i.e. pipelines and cables)
Patent Defects: Things that can be found upon inspecting the property (i.e. rights of way)
What is the doctrine of “caveat emptor”?
“Buyer beware,” meaning the buyer is responsible for inspecting the property for physical defects.
What is wilful deceit?
If a seller attempts to cover up a patent defect, although they have no duty to disclose, the seller can still be sued in tort by the buyer
What does the Property Information Form (PIF) include?
Information about property boundaries, disputes, alterations, and utilities.
What happens if a seller breaches their duty of disclosure?
.
The buyer may withdraw from the contract and claim damages.
What is the purpose of an indemnity insurance policy in conveyancing?
To cover future losses from defects in the property title.
Contract Pack for sale of freehold?
Following must be included:
Contract in duplicate
Property Information form & Fittings and Contents form
A copy of the title
Any guarantees or copy planning permissions
Contract Pack for sale of leasehold?
Following must be included:
Draft contract and lease
Seller’s freehold title
Property information form
Replied to standard pre-contract enquiries
Building warranty (if building is under 10 years old)
Details of any management company (if applicable)
How is the deposit held?
Upon exchange, the buyer’s deposit is held by the seller’s solicitor as stakeholder
What are the main purposes of pre-contract searches?
To gather practical and legal information about the property, allowing the buyer to make an informed decision.
What happens if pre-contract searches reveal significant issues?
The buyer may withdraw without penalty since the transaction is not legally binding before exchange.
What is the purpose of the local land charges search?
To identify burdens on the property such as financial charges, planning restrictions, or Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
What is revealed by the listed building charges section of the local search?
Whether the property is a listed building, which imposes restrictions on alterations.
What key issues are covered in standard local authority enquiries?
Road adoption, public rights of way, planning permissions, and conservation area status.
Why is knowing about public rights of way important?
They allow public access, which cannot be refused by the property owner.
What does a drainage and water search determine?
If the property is connected to public water and foul drainage systems, and proximity to public sewers.
Why are environmental searches important?
Landowners are liable for clean-up costs of contaminated land, even if they didn’t cause the contamination.
What is a search of the index map used for?
To determine if unregistered property is fully or partially registered.
What does a bankruptcy search reveal?
Pending or actual bankruptcy orders against the buyer, which could affect their ability to secure a mortgage.
Why might a coal mining search be conducted?
To check for nearby mining activities that could impact property stability.
What is the process of raising enquiries?
Asking questions about issues or defects found in the title, PIF, or search results.
When should a solicitor proceed to exchange contracts?
Only after all enquiries are satisfactorily resolved.
What are the CPSE used for?
To gather detailed information about commercial properties in freehold or leasehold transactions
What types of issues do the CPSE address?
Boundaries, utilities, environmental concerns, planning, and fire safety.
What are the two methods planning permission can be given?
Deemed: Works that does not require express permission i.e. building porches, conservatories. fences
Express: Where an application is made to local authority for permission to be granted. Used when deemed permission is not available.