Wayleaves

Buying property in the country isn't like buying in the city or town.  There are things to consider which the town buyer probably would never give a second thought to: such as, where does the electricity come from?  What about water and drainage? Telephone?  Where are the boundaries?  Do you have right of access?

In the country people often work things out between themselves without troubling with the legals.  This can be fine as long as everyone gets on and knows what's been agreed.  But what happens if someone changes their mind, or a dispute arises, or neighbours fall out or property changes hands?  That right of access you thought you had can suddenly be blocked off.  This is where a good solicitor who will look after your interests is invaluable.

The wayleaves for electricity, water and telephone were not complete, as the solicitors acting in the previous sale hadn't done their job properly.  We had to tidy up the mess, which cost us more than a thousand pounds in extra fees.  But eventually, about two years after we first saw the plot it was done.