My partner and I are getting closer to an exchange on a flat in Braintree and my mum and dad have sent the ten percent deposit to my lawyer. I am now informed that as the deposit has not come from me my conveyancing practitioner needs to disclose this to my mortgage company. I am advised that, in also acting for the mortgage company he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I advised the lender regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?

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

What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Braintree

We would encourage you not to go for the cheapest Braintree conveyancing quote. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of time.

I am planning to move house in July. Should my conveyancing solicitor liaise with the removal company on the day of completion. As an aside, can you put forward a removal company in Braintree. Conveyancing lawyer was chosen before I stumbled across this site.

On the day of completion you will need to collect the house keys from your property agent but this can only be done after the vendors conveyancers inform the agent that they acknowledge receipt of the completion payment and the keys can be released. You will need to inform the removal company that you are ready to move in. We are not in a position to recommend a specific removal organisation but can help you find a conveyancing in Braintree or a lawyer that specialises in conveyancing in Braintree.

I'm in the process of looking at flats in Braintree and I am about to put in an offer. Is it advisable to have my conveyancer on ‘stand by’? I will be getting a mortgage with UBS.

It would be sensible to instigate your search sooner rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. As you are getting a mortgage with UBS, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the UBS conveyancing panel.

How does conveyancing in Braintree differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Braintree approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because house builders in Braintree usually purchase 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 Braintree or who has acted in the same development.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a Braintree conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Braintree conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you talk with several firms including non Braintree conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be of use:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Braintree who can give a testimonial? If the firm is not ALEP accredited then why not?

I invested in buying a 1st floor flat in Braintree, 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? Similar flats in Braintree with a long lease are worth £171,000. The ground rent is £50 invoiced every year. The lease terminates on 21st October 2103

With only 79 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £7,600 and £8,800 plus legals.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to supply a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed investigations. Do not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Neither should you take any other action placing reliance on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

My wife and I intend to purchase our first home in Braintree. Conveyancing lawyer has been appointed. The broker advised that a survey is not necessary as the house was only built in 2002.

You would be best advised to take a Home Buyer's Report. As the premises is over 10 years old the property will not benefit from a warranty, so you would be well advised not to take a risk. For a property that age with no signs of problems a Home Buyer's report may be enough. The report should highlight any apparent issues and suggest further investigation where appropriate. If there are any indications of problems get a comprehensive structural survey.