COVID-19 update from MJP Conveyancing

Covid-19 Information

Acting on the latest advice from the government we are now working in a home based environment, we are well equipped to work from home by using our in house built cloud based technology and telephone system.

If you wish to obtain a quote please call 01603 863727.

FOR EXISTING CLIENTS

Apart from suspending all incoming calls pending our return, all post, emails and other work on your transaction will continue as normal. If you need to speak with us urgently on the phone please message us through your online portal and somebody will look to return your call within two working days if not earlier.

In addition to this we operate a "cloud" based telephone system, this allows each of our case handlers to access and make use of the system via an application on their mobile phones at home.

Please note that all client messages will be processed as usual, we wish to assure you that there will not be any break in the continuity of our service.

We will update you when we return to office based working.

Thank you for your understanding in these difficult circumstances.

COVID-19 FAQ's

Buying and selling a property can be stressful enough without the added worry of a pandemic, but what does this mean for the property industry?. The truth is that policy and guidelines are changing daily and we have measures in place to protect our client's interests the best that we can. Some of the most common questions that we get asked are; Will I be charged any fees if the buyer or seller pulls out? If the "other side" pulls out of the transaction then in this instance we will not charge you an abortive fee, if however you decide to disinstruct then we will charge for the work that we have completed to date, which is capped at 50% of the legal fees. Are you still able to order searches? The searches that are required in a standard purchase when obtaining a mortgage are environmental, water & drainage and local authority. Although our search provider will be able to order these there may be a delay in the responses due to the policies of the organisations providing these. We have received the following update from our search provider regarding local authorities. Councils CLOSED until further notice: Bridgend, Corby, Darlington, Dover, Neath Port Talbot, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North East Derbyshire, West Berkshire. *Recently Added* Kingston Upon Thames, Amber Valley, Breckland, Kent Council (Highway Extend requests), East Riding of Yorkshire. The following councils are temporarily closed whilst they assess if they are able to offer their services in an alternative way: Brighton, Caerphilly, Cheshire East, Copeland, Derbyshire Dales, Eden, Elmbridge, Flintshire, Kings Lynn, Monmouth, Newark & Sherwood, North Lincolnshire, North Warwickshire, Slough, South Staffordshire, Test Valley, Torfaen, Tynedale, Vale of Glamorgan, West Lindsey, Cuty of York. *Recently Added* Burnley, West Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Liverpool, Gateshead, Runnymede. Councils that are now back up and running: Blaenau Gwent, Stockton on Tees, Newcastle Under Lyme, Calderdale, Cornwall If my estate agent is still allowing viewings is this advisable?  We would recommend that as an individual you follow the H&S guidelines issued by the government, if you do complete a viewing take the necessary precautions such as wearing a mask and gloves and try not to touch surfaces, also wash your hands before and after the viewing. It is important to remember that information released to the public shows that Covid-19 can live on surfaces up to 9 days so please be careful. How can I verify my ID to proceed with my transaction? As we are completely online based solicitors we don't need to see our clients to complete on any transaction. We have two ways of processing ID, In October 2019 we partnered with a provider that enables us to complete our ID checks using an app meaning that you can complete our checks from the comfort of your own home. The second way is by providing certified ID and uploading it to your file, in the current climate we would always recommend using the app as a first option. What about a survey? Expect some delay in this regard. Surveyors should not be attending habited properties unnecessarily though they will still be able to undertake surveys on empty properties. Once movement restrictions are lifted you can commission a surveyor. If after this you would like to renegotiate the price of the property there will still be time to do so.

Government advice on home moving during COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Can I still buy and sell property? In short, yes. If you have already found a property to purchase you can continue with the conveyancing process. The same applies if you have already found a buyer for your property you can still proceed with the sale. If you have not yet found a property to purchase or if you have not yet secured a buyer now is a good time to prepare for when that time comes by instructed a conveyancer. There are still steps you can take to ensure that as soon as you are ready to proceed you have everything in place to do so. What about my mortgage? Whether or not you experience a delay will depend on where you are in the house buying process. If you have not yet secured a mortgage offer you may have to wait. Many mortgage lenders have put a pause on making offers as they are unable to complete their valuations. You can still use an online mortgage calculator to see how much of a mortgage you can afford. Will exchange and complete be delayed? Conveyancers have been advised to put measures in place so that exchange of contracts can still take place. Clauses can be added so that completion is on notice until the lockdown ends. This means that once the lockdown has ceased notice is served from one conveyancer to the other allowing each party some time to prepare for completion. Some completions can take place as normal, please see the below. Is every house sale effected? Thankfully, no. Right to Buy purchases from the council and tenants purchasing their property from their current landlord can continue as normal, however please be advised that this will be dependent on the councils ability to work remotely. Investment purchases can still go ahead as can vacant properties and newbuilds. It is also possible to complete on your property and not move in until it is safe to do so. When purchasing a newbuild please be advised to keep in regular correspondence with the development office to see how the disruption will affect the timetable for construction. The reality is that it is likely you will experience delays so please do keep your finger on the pulse. Transactions such as Transfers of Equity and Remortgages can also still go ahead. Now might prove to be a good time for you to move all things considering. Many people are now finding themselves with more spare time to enable themselves to pace themselves with moving and unpacking their belongings.

MJP Conveyancing are solicitors who provide legal advice and services to clients based in England and Wales and who can be contacted on 01603877067 or via email at david@mjpconveyancing.com