Sidrah Walimia

Senior Associate - Residential Property

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"I am a residential property solicitor with an in-depth knowledge of and breadth of experience in all types of property transactions.”

I am a senior associate solicitor within the residential property team, having joined Higgs in January 2022. Prior to joining Higgs, I have had extensive experience at other firms including as a Team Leader at another regional firm.

I have been acting for clients on all types of residential property transactions since completing my legal practitioners course in 2006; initially as a paralegal and from 2011 as a qualified solicitor. I have over 10 years post qualification experience.

I pride myself on my technical ability and detailed approach. I aim to stay apprised of changes in legislation in the area to ensure that I am able to continue to provide a technical service. I also set high standards of efficiency and quality in my work to ensure that my clients are receiving the best service and advice that they can get.

Outside of work I have a passion for helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. My husband is part of a voluntary organisation, Raise For Life (RFL), who raise funds for nominated causes/charities each year. I enjoy assisting RFL in organising and running events and raising funds for various causes including Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Cure Leukaemia, Birmingham Homeless Project, and international causes such as the Somalia drought, Pakistan floods and Yemen aid appeal.

  • Completed on the purchase of numerous high value properties exceeding £1,000,000.
  • Completed on the purchase of a new build property where the clients required an equity release/lifetime mortgage. The development had complex issues and the lenders requirements were numerous and stringent. I was able to complete the matter as efficiently as possible whilst also ensuring that all of the lender’s requirements were met.
  • Completed on the purchase of shared ownership property within a development for partially sighted residents. Completion was required within tight timeframes as the client’s eyesight was deteriorating and wanted to be able to move in before it failed completely so the client could become familiar with the layout of the Property.
  • Assisted with the successful registration of a property where the title deeds had been lost;
  • Advised on the proposed purchase of a leasehold property where the lease term was below 50 years and there were numerous issues with the Property including an inflated ground rent and unsatisfactory rent review provisions within the lease, listed building compliance issues and abnormal buildings insurance provisions.
  • Advised on numerous sales/purchases involving transfers of part;
  • Acted on numerous equity release/lifetime mortgages ensuring that clients were fully informed about the implications of entering into such mortgages.
  • Acted on numerous transactions where the property has the benefit of solar panels ensuring that any lender requirements are met and also ensuring that the panels and feed in tariffs were correctly assigned to the clients.

More about me

Childhood career goal

Growing up I had always wanted to be a “Space Scientist” not knowing the word for Astronomer until I was about 10.

Interests

During COVID I decided I would learn a new skill and learnt how to knit. I also enjoy cooking, baking, reading and exercise.

Favourite food

Biryani. No need to say anything more than that!

Favourite book

One of my all-time favourites is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

“The Higgs team are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and more importantly they can connect with clients"

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