We are buying a property and require a conveyancing solicitor in Ascot who is on the Bank of Ireland solicitor panel. Can you recommend a local firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Bank of Ireland . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Ascot.

My wife and I purchased a semi-detached Victorian property in Ascot. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and Bank of Ireland. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same address. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?

You need to review 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 Ascot and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also check the position with the conveyancing practitioner who carried out the work.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Ascot. 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 Ascot

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? 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. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier?

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Ascot prior to appointing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor has said that some banks may refuse to issue a loan on such a home.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different instructions for example to Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Ascot. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Ascot especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Ascot.

Should I be suspicious that estate agents that I am dealing with are suggesting a nationwide conveyancing firm rather than a High Street Ascot conveyancing company?

As is the case with lots of professional services, often recommendations from relatives can be worth their weight in gold. But there are lots of people with a vested interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may recommend lawyers to choose. On occasion the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but sometimes there exists a financial incentive behind the endorsement. You have the right to choose your own conveyancer. You need to be aware that many banks specify a panel list of conveyancers you have to use for the lender related work in your home move.