I am looking to buy a flat and require a conveyancing solicitor in Fleet who is on the Barclays Direct conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a solicitor?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Barclays Direct in certain locations such as Fleet. We dont recommend any particular firm.

Do I choose a Licenced Conveyancer or Solicitor for conveyancing in Fleet?

There are two types of lawyers who can execute conveyancing in Fleet namely CLC regulated conveyancers or solicitors. The two can administer conveyancing services that you need to complete the sale or acquisition of property. They are both obliged to carry out Fleet conveyancing to the same standards and guidelines so you may be safe in the knowledge that your conveyancing will be professionally carried out and that the requirements and procedures will be suitably attended to.

I am being told by my solicitor that restrictive coveneant insurance is necessary on my purchase. What is the level of cover for Fleet conveyancing?

The right level of restrictive coveneant indemnity insurance should be dictated by who your lender. It would differ for example between Yorkshire Building Society and Bank of Scotland. Conveyancing practitioners as opposed to borrowers take out such insurances.

Are all Fleet Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Aldermore conveyancing panel?

A selection of lenders now make use of CQS as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.

Should our solicitor be asking questions regarding flooding as part of the conveyancing in Fleet.

Flooding is a growing risk for lawyers dealing with homes in Fleet. There are those who purchase a house in Fleet, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical damage, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, adequate building insurance, or dispose of the premises. Steps can be carried out during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Lawyers are not best placed to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a various searches that may be initiated by the purchaser or by their lawyers which will give them a better understanding of the risks in Fleet. The conventional set of property information forms given to a buyer’s lawyer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) incorporates a usual inquiry of the vendor to find out whether the property has historically flooded. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not notified by the owner, then a purchaser may bring a legal claim for losses resulting from an misleading response. A purchaser’s solicitors will also commission an enviro report. This will disclose if there is any known flood risk. If so, additional inquiries will need to be carried out.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a quick, chain free conveyancing. Fleet is where the house is located. Is there any advice you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Fleet are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Fleet you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Fleet may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

I have today placed an offer on an apartment in Fleet and the mortgage adviser that we are using recommended his conveyancer. He quoted £800 excluding VAT and disbursements. Does this sound reasonable?

Don't just go on 1 estimate. One should obtain like-for-like quotes for your conveyancing in Fleet. Then choose one that you trust and crucially, is on the approved panel of the mortgage company that you are sourcing your mortgage from.