My husband and I are planning to purchase a 2 bedroom apartment in Brent Cross with a mortgage. We have a Brent Cross conveyancer, but the bank says he's not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to select one of the bank panel solicitors or retain our Brent Cross conveyancer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?

Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Brent Cross conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Brent Cross ahead of instructing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. My surveyor advised that some lenders tend refuse to grant a loan on such a house.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check with the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Brent Cross. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Brent Cross especially if they are accustomed to such properties in Brent Cross.

Taking into account that I am about to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on 3 bedroom house in Brent Cross I would like to talk to a solicitor about myhouse move before giving the go ahead to the firm. Is this something that you can arrange?

This is something that we encourage - we would be happy to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the lawyer who will be doing your property ownership legalities in Brent Cross.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is unique person, not a case reference. The solicitors that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for residential conveyancing in Brent Cross should be the amount on the final invoice that you are charged.

Am I best advised to choose a Brent Cross conveyancing practitioner based in the vicinity that I am hoping to buy? I have an old university friend who can execute the conveyancing however his firm is located 300miles away.

The benefit of a local Brent Cross conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, deliver your ID and pester them if necessary. Having local Brent Cross know how is a bonus. However it's more important to get someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have instructed your friend and in the main were impressed that should surpass using an unfamiliar Brent Cross conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being based in the area.

My step-mother completed her conveyancing in Brent Cross Six years ago. She has since got married, divorced and in recent months got remarried. She now wants to dispose of the Brent Cross property. I think she will just be need to provide a copy of her marriage papers to the property lawyer but she is anxious it could delay the sale of the house. Is it worth updating the title details for the house?

You are not required to update the register as long as you have the proof required to show how the name change resulted.

Any purchaser’s solicitor should review the registered information and need evidence by way of proof of the change of name e.g. marriage documentation.