We are selling our property in Westminster and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being built on contaminated land. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the purchasers used a national conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Westminster. Having lived in Westminster for six years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to seek clarification need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor already. Are they able to advise? You need to enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

four months have gone by following my purchase conveyancing in Westminster took place. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £160,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the premises from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Westminster. Conveyancing is necessary evil 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 conveyancing.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Westminster

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. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

How do I use your search tool to find a conveyancing practitioner in Westminster on the authorised to act for my lender?

First pick a lender such as Birmingham Midshires, Leeds Building Society or Britannia then specify your location for instance Westminster. Conveyancing firms in Westminster and nationally should be listed.

I have recently placed an offer on an apartment in Westminster and the estate agent that we are using recommended his solicitor. They quoted £900 plus VAT and 3rd party costs. Does this sound like a good deal?

You should not rely on 1 quote. One should seek like-for-like quotes for your conveyancing in Westminster. Then choose one that you trust and crucially, is on the approved panel of the lender that you are sourcing your mortgage from.