Useful links

Leasehold Advisory Service
www.lease-advice.org
General information about owning a flat and your rights and obligations

Land Registry
www.landregistry.gov.uk
See how your property is registered after completion and the requirements of the Land Registry

Planning Portal
www.planningportal.gov.uk
A useful website if you want more information on planning issues and will include copies of local policy

SDLT
www.hmrc.gov.uk/so
A site giving information on Stamp Duty Land Tax issues

Law Society
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Gives general guidance to the consumer about dealing with a solicitor amongst other things

HM Revenue and Customs
www.hmrc.gov.uk
The Customs and Excise website relating to VAT

Council of Mortgage Lenders
www.cml.org.uk
The body governing all lenders – see in particular the handbook which states the requirements of lenders when a house is purchased or mortgaged

Her Majesty’s Court Service
www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/
General information about how the Court system runs including information on procedure

Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
www.legislation.gov.uk/
Have a look at the latest legislation

National House-Building Council
www.nhbc.co.uk
An organisation which governs a great deal of the building industry and gives certificates in respect of the build quality of new properties

Companies House
www.companieshouse.gov.uk
General information about companies

Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Check whether your property is affected by issues such as flooding or pollution

National Association of Estate Agents
www.naea.co.uk
The governing body of most estate agents

Ordnance Survey
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
The organisation which maps the UK

Royal Institute of British Architects
www.riba.org
Governing organisation of architects

Coal Mining Search
www.coalminingreports.co.uk
Find out whether a coal mining report is required in respect of your new home