Do the Building Society Association intend to launch a online directory to to identify law firms on the Earl Shilton BS conveyancing panel for example in Alderley Edge?

We have not been informed any plans on the part of the BSA to promote such a register.

We have agreed to purchase a house in Alderley Edge. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Co-operative have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

Given that your lender is Co-operative your lawyer must comply with the formal requirements contained in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Co-operative. The CML Handbook sets out minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to Co-operative where a lease does not meet these provisions. The specifications relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Alderley Edge.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Alderley Edge off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Santander. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Santander, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Santander conveyancing panel.

My offer on a semi in Alderley Edge has been accepted, but there is a chain. The vendors have put an offer on somewhere, however it’s not been accepted yet, and are looking at other properties booked. I have selected a bricks and mortar conveyancing solicitor in Alderley Edge. What should be my next step? When do I get the mortgage application with Barclays going?

It is usual to have apprehensions where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to incur costs too early (mortgage application is in the region of £1k, then valuation, Alderley Edge conveyancing search charges, etc). The first course of action is to check that your conveyancing practitioner is on the Barclays conveyancing panel. Regarding the subsequent phase this very much depends on the specifics of your transaction, desire for this property and on the state of the market. In a hot market many buyers will apply for a home loan with Barclays and pay for the valuation and only if it was satisfactory would they pay their conveyancing practitioner to press on with searches.

About to purchase a new build flat in Alderley Edge. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Alderley Edge

The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. 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 architect prepared. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry.

In what way can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business premises in Alderley Edge and how can your lawyers assist?

The particular law that you refer to affords protection to business lessees, granting the a statutory right to make a request to court for a new tenancy and remain in occupation at the end of an expired lease. There are certain specified grounds where a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. Fees are different for commercial conveyancing. Alderley Edge is one of the many areas of the UK in which our lawyers are located

Online research suggests that Alderley Edge solicitors are more costly than Alderley Edge conveyancers in Alderley Edge to use when purchasing a house. So is it better if I use a conveyancer or a solicitor if I am buying a property in Alderley Edge.

When it comes to conveyancing in Alderley Edge the costs are unlikely to vary dramatically depending on whether the legal expert is a licenced conveyancer or solicitor.