Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Clydesdale. Broadstairs conveyancing lawyers were instructed. How long does it take for Clydesdale to forward the offer to the property lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Clydesdale done the survey? Have you informed Clydesdale as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

Completion of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Broadstairs. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about the lender. How do I make a complaint?

All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.

Planning on purchasing a maisonette in Broadstairs. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Building Society if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Principality conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.

They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Broadstairs lawyer is on the Principality conveyancing panel.

I have todaybecome aware that Action Conveyancing have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in Broadstairs for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I establish that the property is registered correctly in the name of the former proprietor?

The easiest way to check if the premises is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Broadstairs conveyancing specialists.

I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Broadstairs ahead of appointing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the property. The surveyor has said that some banks tend refuse to issue a mortgage on this type of home.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Halifax. If you contact us we can check with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Broadstairs. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Broadstairs especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Broadstairs.

I have been pointed in your direction by a number of selling agents in Broadstairs to locate a property lawyer using your seach tool. What’s the financial incentive for Estate Agents to market your site ahead of a competitor’s?

We don’t make any referral fee for directing people in our direction. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission because members of the public would think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

I've found a house that seems to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently been informed that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Broadstairs. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

Most houses in Broadstairs are freehold and not leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Broadstairs so you should seriously consider looking for a Broadstairs conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the freeholder’spermission to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a service charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer will appraise you on the various issues.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Broadstairs - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

What is the name of the managing agents? Can you inform me if there are any major works in the planning that will likely increase the service costs? This question is useful as a) areas can result in problems in the block as the communal areas may start to deteriorate if services remain unpaid b) if the leasehold owners have an issue with the running of the building you will need to have all the details