I am hoping to receive a mortgage offer from Halifax. I hope to employ the services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Cambridgeshire. Does the Halifax Conveyancing panel allow for Licensed Conveyancers?

The Halifax conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.

It has been four months since my purchase conveyancing in Cambridgeshire completed. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £180,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the premises from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in Cambridgeshire differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Cambridgeshire come to us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because developers in Cambridgeshire usually buy 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 conveyancers 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 Cambridgeshire or who has acted in the same development.

I opted to have a survey done on a property in Cambridgeshire prior to instructing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend refuse to grant a loan on this type of house.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Halifax. If you call us we can check via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Cambridgeshire. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My a dozen years ago. He has got wed, widowed and is now married again. He will be marketing the flat in a few months. I think he will simply be requested to supply copies of the marriage certificates to the solicitor however he is concerned it could frustrate the home move. Is it worth updating the title information for the property?

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

Any buyer’s conveyancer will examine the registered entries and need evidence to prove the name change for instance marriage certificates.