Seminar success

11/05/2004

Solicitors and conveyancers from the region have been examining new government proposals for property sellers and buyers.

Northumbrian Water Property Solutions recently hosted two thought-provoking seminars in Newcastle and Middlesborough.  Entitled ‘Home Information Pack – Your Questions Answered’, the events raised much debate amongst the region’s solicitors and conveyancers.

Speakers included Denis Purshouse, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister representative, and key advisor on the content of the proposed Pack and past President of the Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors, Peter McKendrick.

The Pack will force property sellers and their agents to make essential structural and title information available to prospective buyers before a property is first put on the market.  Due to be implemented from 2007, the Pack has generated widespread views from the property services industry.  Many welcome its introduction and believe it will speed up the home-buying process, benefiting both buyers and sellers.  Others are strongly opposed to the Pack, believing it will add unnecessary bureaucracy and cost.

If implemented, it is likely that Home Condition Reports would form a major part of the Pack.  Denis Purshouse explained:  “Home Condition Reports detail the condition of a property and its energy efficiency which are important to prospective buyers - the Pack would be incomplete without this information.  The Pack would also include various searches and the title deeds to the property.”

The CPD (continuous professional development) accredited seminars were held at the Holiday Inn, Newcastle, and Middlesborough’s Thistle Hotel.  Delegates also heard from Coalmark Solutions regarding their new coal mining risk assessment, Landmark Information Group, providers of environmental reports and Northumbrian Water Property Solutions, the seminar hosts who updated attendees on drainage and water searches.

For further information contact Cara Hall, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6720 or Claire Sharp, Business Services Manager, on 0191 301 6811.