I selected a local firm for our conveyancing in Alfriston last week. After carefully reading the Terms and Conditions I seewe are on the hook for fees even if the dealdoes not happen. Should I ditch them and use a web based conveyancing company promising no move no charge conveyancing in Alfriston?

Generally there is a compromise along the lines that if "No Completion No Fee" is offered then the conveyancing charges will generally be higher to cover those transactions that abort. Please beware that such offerings generally do not cover expenditure by way of example Alfriston conveyancing search fees.

My wife and I have recently bought a house in Alfriston. We have noticed several issues with the house which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Is there anything we can do? What searches should? have been ordered for conveyancing in Alfriston?

It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Alfriston. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner completes a document known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. answers provided is inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Alfriston.

How can we know in advance if a Alfriston conveyancing solicitor on the Santander panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Alfriston seeking recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always suggest that you speak with the lawyer handling your conveyancing.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Alfriston. I have a mortgage agreed with Skipton. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have 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 Skipton, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Skipton conveyancing panel.

I am due to exchange contracts on my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in April 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Nottingham are being problematic. The Alfriston solicitor who is on the Nottingham conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Nottingham are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Nottingham have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Nottingham have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Nottingham may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

I own a terraced Victorian property in Alfriston. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Virgin Money. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are two entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold with the matching property. Is it worth asking Virgin Money to clarify?

You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Alfriston and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also enquire as to the position with the conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.

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

If you are instructing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Alfriston conveyancing practice) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you talk with several firms including non Alfriston conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be of use:

How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation? Can they put you in touch with clients in Alfriston who can give a testimonial?

I acquired a 1 bedroom flat in Alfriston, conveyancing having been completed half a dozen years ago. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Corresponding flats in Alfriston with a long lease are worth £179,000. The ground rent is £65 invoiced every year. The lease expires on 21st October 2082

With only 57 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £26,600 and £30,800 plus costs.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs without more comprehensive due diligence. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.