Wakefield is a local government district in West Yorkshire, England. Even though Wakefield had one of the higher unemployment rates in the 80’s and the 90’s, the area started to develop, due to the blooming economy of Leeds and also the development of the former mining towns and villages. There is an increasing number of commuters towards the city and its natural assets, such as River Aire, proximity to the national motorway network, added to the possibility of developing the housing market by building on the former mining land created investment possibilities.

If you are planning to buy, sell or remortgage a property in Wakefield, you need a solicitor to help you with the conveyancing process. You can choose a local CQS accredited solicitor, with a fixed fee conveyancing and a “no move, no fee” guarantee.

If you decide for a “fixed fee” conveyancing in Wakefield, make sure you ask your solicitor details about what does the fee include, to be certain you do not end up more than initially considered. Sometimes, due to lack of attention, a buyer/seller spends more than planned, with extra costs, hidden under the small print. There is always a chance for unexpected spendings, but all the included items should be clearly stated before signing any papers.

Ask your solicitor to insist on a chancel search. If the council did not impose this liability on the previous owners, you would have to pay all the due debts and sometimes the amount is higher than expected. A simple check on the city guide to discover if the property is on parish ground is only going to give you an idea, without making it clear if you are liable for chancel repair dues in Wakefield.

During the conveyancing, your solicitor should conduct a search in order to verify the property proximity to a conservation area. This aspect might influence your house improving work or your decision to add a new building to the property after the purchase.

Wakefield adds a specific task for your solicitor during the conveyancing process: the flood risk search. A landmark search points out the flooding risk for your property.

You can always choose to do the conveyancing on your own, but keep in mind that a solicitor is trained to discover any irregularities in the contracts and has a more extensive experience when it comes to the necessary searches. At the same time, a solicitor usually has an applicable professional indemnity insurance, which is your safety net, in the case of any issues. If you decide for DIY conveyancing, the only thing that can protect you from errors is intensive research and a lot of patience for the small print.