I instructed a local firm for my conveyancing in Cottingham recently. Reviewing the Terms I notewe are on the hook for fees even if our purchase doesn't happen. Would I be best advised to use an on-line conveyancing company promising no move no charge conveyancing in Cottingham?

Generally there is a concession along the lines that if "No Sale No Fee" is advertised then the conveyancing charges will generally be more expensive to neutralise those conveyances that abort. Do bear in mind that such deals rarely cover expenses for example Cottingham conveyancing search expenses.

A friend suggested that where I am buying in Cottingham I should ask my conveyancer to perform a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. What does it cover?

A search of this type is occasionally quoted for as part of the standard Cottingham conveyancing searches. It is not a small report of about 40 pages, listing and setting out important information about Cottingham around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the local Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average Property Price, Crime details, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data about Cottingham.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Cottingham. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Cottingham

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for sale conveyancing in Cottingham. I have land on a web site which appears to be the perfect solution If it is possible to get all this stuff completed via phone that would be ideal. Should I be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Cottingham conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Cottingham conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you make enquires with several firms including non Cottingham conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

What volume of lease extensions have they conducted in Cottingham in the last twenty four months?

Cottingham Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

You should want to find out as much as you can about the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. Being a leasehold owner you are often in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to every day issues like the upkeep of the communal areas. You should not be shy to ask other people what they think of their service. On a final note, find out the dates that the maintenance fees are due to the managing agents and precisely what you get for your money. Best to be warned if fixing the lift or some other major work is due in the near future to be shared between the tenants and could well dramatically increase the the service fees or result in a one time invoice. Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?