My partner and I are only a couple days away from an exchange on a property in Canton and my mum and dad have sent the ten percent deposit to my conveyancer. I am now informed that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I disclosed to the mortgage company concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for him to raise this?

The solicitor is obliged to clarify with the bank to ensure that they understand that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. The solicitor can only report this to your bank if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I am buying a end of terrace house in Canton. We would like to carry out an extension to the side at the house.Will legal conveyancing on the property include investigations to ascertain if these alterations were previously refused?

Your solicitor should review the registered title as conveyancing in Canton will on occasion identify restrictions in the title documents which prohibit certain changes or necessitated the permission of a 3rd party. Certain works require local authority planning consent and approval in accordance building regulations. Some locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which frequently prevent or affect extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor prior to committing yourself to a purchase.

Can I be sure that the Canton conveyancing solicitor on the RBS panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Canton getting recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your conveyancing.

I can not work out if my lender requires a lease extension. I have called into my local Canton bank branch on numerous occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they would lend. My Canton conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they refuse to lend based on their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I have no idea who is right.

The solicitor must comply with the CML Handbook Part 2 specifications for your lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.

I have been told that property searches are the main cause of delay in Canton house deals. Is that correct?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published findings of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the top 10 causes of hindrances in the conveyancing process. Local searches are not likely to be the root cause of holding up conveyancing in Canton.

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified during conveyancing in Canton?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Canton. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

I am attracted to a couple of maisonettes in Canton both have about 50 years unexpired on the lease term. Will this present a problem?

There are plenty of short leases in Canton. The lease is a right to use the premises for a period of time. As a lease gets shorter the value of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more expensive to extend the lease. This is why it is often a good idea to increase the term of the lease. It is often difficult to sell a property with a short lease because mortgage lenders may be unwilling to lend money on properties of this type. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We recommend you get professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this area.

Canton Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

In the main the cost for major works tend not to be built into the maintenance charges, although a few managing agents in Canton ask tenants to pay into a reserve fund and this is used to offset against major repairs or maintenance. Are any of leasehold owners in dispute over their service charge payments?