Me and my wife are buying residence in Bovey Tracey. My property lawyer is not listed on the bank approved list. Can I still continue with my Bovey Tracey conveyancing solicitor even though they are excluded from the lender panel?

One must appoint a solicitor to deal with the formalities if you require a mortgage to purchase your property. They will carry out all the relevant legal checks on the property, make sure that you’re registered as proprietor and ensure that all the necessary mortgage paperwork is in place. You could appoint a Bovey Tracey property lawyer of your choosing. However, if the conveyancer appointed is not on the bank conveyancing panel further fees will arise as separate legal representation will be required by them. Conveyancing panel applications can be submitted, so provided your lawyer has not historically sought membership they should take the opportunity to apply.

Are you able to suggest a Skipton Building Society approved Bovey Tracey conveyancing conveyancer finish our house move within a very limited time frame? Would it be better to use a high street Bovey Tracey solicitor or a factory type firm?

We would be happy to suggest some excellent Bovey Tracey conveyancing firms. You can also walk up the high street in Bovey Tracey. Approach a couple of firms and request to speak with a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Explain your deadline together with the reasons and ask for a commitment on speed. Choose the lawyer that you are most comfortable with.

I am the registered owner of a freehold premises in Bovey Tracey but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Bovey Tracey and has limited impact for conveyancing in Bovey Tracey but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.

Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Barclays. Bovey Tracey conveyancing practitioners have been chosen. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Barclays?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Barclays completed the survey? Have you advised Barclays as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Barclays conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

My wife and I are spending time looking at apartments in Bovey Tracey and I am about to put in an offer. Is it premature to have a solicitor in place? I am planning to take a home loan with RBS.

You should start requesting conveyancing quotes from solicitors ASAP. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. Given that you are getting a mortgage with RBS, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the RBS conveyancing panel.

The formalities of my purchase has taken place for my property in Bovey Tracey. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about the lender. How do I make a complaint?

Most banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. In most cases complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR who will take matters further.

How can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my commercial offices in Bovey Tracey and how can your lawyers assist?

The 1954 Act provides a safeguard to commercial leaseholders, giving them the dueness to make a request to court for a renewal lease and continue in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are certain specified grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Bovey Tracey is one of the many locations in which our lawyers have offices