My fiancee and I are purchasing our first property. The property lawyer has messagedto enquire if we want to order additional conveyancing searches. We are really unsure what's needed for conveyancing in Epsom

The scope of Epsom conveyancing searches should be dictated primarily on the premises, the location, the possibility of any of these risks, your knowledge of the region and risks, your overall appetite to risk. What matters is that you adequately appreciate what information each search could provide. Then you can make a decision if you consider that you need that search. Where you are uncertain, ask your conveyancing practitioner to explain.

I am considering refinancing my home in Epsom, does my lawyer have to be on the Principality Solicitor panel?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Principality will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Epsom?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Epsom. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

I am buying a new build flat in Epsom. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Epsom

If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified.

I have been advised by a number of property agents in Epsom to find a conveyancer on your site. Is there a financial incentive for Estate Agents to recommend your site over and above alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t give any referral fee for directing people to this site. We thought it would be too underhand a fee because members of the public would think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I receiving any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.