My IFA requires my Driffield lawyer’ panel reference for the HSBC conveyancing panel. Can you suggest how I discover this. I have e-mailed my local Driffield branch but they have not got back to me yet.

Have you tried contacting your Driffield solicitor about this?. Most Driffield conveyancing practices will keep a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each mortgage company.

We see that you have a search directory listing solicitors on the Co-operative conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I appoint them for our own conveyancing in Driffield?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Co-operative conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Driffield.

We are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our property in Driffield and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was constructed on contaminated land. A high street Driffield lawyer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers are using an online conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Driffield. We have lived in Driffield for six years we know of no issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You need to check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one near me in Driffield I like with amenity areas and railway links nearby, the downside is that it only has 61 years on the lease. There is not much else in Driffield in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you require a home loan that many years may be an issue. Discount the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing proprietor has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this.

I have miscalculated my finances and am a few grand short a 10% deposit on my apartment purchase in Driffield , but I still want to proceed. Do I have options?

You can agree a lesser deposit. Many vendors will agree to a lesser deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last minute