The Prestbury conveyancing firm handling our Prestbury conveyancing has discovered an inconsistency when comparing the information in the valuation report and what is revealed within the title deeds. My solicitor has advised that he must ensure that the lender is OK with this discrepancy and is content to go ahead. Is my lawyer’s stance appropriate?

Your lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

Me and my brother purchased a semi-detached Edwardian house in Prestbury. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Birmingham Midshires. I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Prestbury and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with mortgage companies. You can also enquire as to the position with your conveyancing solicitor who conducted the conveyancing.

I am buying my first flat in Prestbury with the aid of help to buy. The developers refused to move on the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The estate agent advised me not reveal to my solicitor about this side-deal as it could impact my mortgage with the lender. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Given that I will soon spend £400,000 on a house in Prestbury I would like to have a conversation with the lawyer about myhome move in advance of appointing the firm. Can this be arranged?

This is something that we recommend - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the conveyancer due to be doing your conveyancing in Prestbury.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is unique person, not a matter reference. The practices that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for your conveyancing in Prestbury should be the figure that you end up paying.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Prestbury. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Prestbury are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Prestbury so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Prestbury conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the house is part of an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.