My husband and I are approaching an exchange on a flat in Wanstead and my parents have sent the ten percent deposit to my conveyancer. I am now informed that as the deposit has not arrived from me my property lawyer needs to disclose this to my bank. I am advised that, in also acting for the mortgage company he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I informed the lender concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?

Your lawyer is duty bound to clarify with lender to make sure that they understand that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only disclose this to your lender if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I used Wolstenholmes several years ago for my conveyancing in Wanstead. I now require my papers however the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?

You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Wanstead of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously used, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

How does conveyancing in Wanstead differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Wanstead contact us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because house builders in Wanstead typically acquire the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Wanstead or who has acted in the same development.

I am using a search engine for the words conveyancing in Wanstead it reveals many property lawyerslocally. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable conveyancing solicitor for purchase transaction?

The ideal way of finding a suitable conveyancer is via trusted recommendation, so enquire of colleagues and family who have bought a property in Wanstead or the respected estate agent or financial adviser. Fees for conveyancing in Wanstead vary, so it's sensible to request a minimum of four fee estimates from varying types of companies. Dont forget to clarify that the costs are assured not to increase.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to choosing a Wanstead conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Wanstead conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you speak with two or three firms including non Wanstead conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be useful:

What are the costs for lease extension work?

I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without any joy. Can I make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Wanstead conveyancing firm to act on my behalf?

if there is a absentee freeholder or if there is dispute about the premium for a lease extension, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 it is possible to make an application to the LVT to decide the price.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Wanstead flat is 36 New Wanstead in August 2010. The Tribunal arrived at a valuation of the premium for the freehold of £22,359. This case was in relation to 2 flats. The number of years remaining on the existing lease(s) was 73.92 years.