IfI were to purchase a freehold housein Gipsy Hill for cash and dispense with a survey and no local authority searches how much would I expect to have to pay for conveyancing in Gipsy Hill?

Any savings you would gain would be limited to the costs for searches. The lawyer is obliged to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, correspond with the vendors conveyancing practitioner, SDLT submission, register the property etc. You might save a bit for them not needing to register a charge however it will not be meaningful.

Is there a reason why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Gipsy Hill costs more?

Gipsy Hill leasehold conveyancing transactions usually involve additional investigations than freeholds including investigating the Lease, liaising with the Landlord such as serving applicable notices on the Landlord or managing agent, obtaining up-to-date service charge and management information, obtaining Landlord’s consents and reviewing management accounts and formation documents.

I am looking to buy a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in Gipsy Hill who is on the Halifax conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a firm?

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

I am the single recipient of my late father’s estate and I have everything in my name alone, including the my former home in Gipsy Hill. The Gipsy Hill property was put into my name in September. I now wish to sell up. I understand that there is a CML 6 month 'rule', which means that my property ownership may be treated the same way as if I'd bought the property in September. Is the property unsalable for six months?

The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ handbook obliges solicitors to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you could be caught by that. Some lenders would take a pragmatic view as this requirement chiefly exists to identify subsales or the wholesaling and assigning of property.

We were going to get a OIP from Nationwide this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Nationwide recommend any Gipsy Hill solicitors on the Nationwide conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

You will need to appoint Gipsy Hill solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Nationwide through the process.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Gipsy Hill off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Clydesdale. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Clydesdale, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Gipsy Hill. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Gipsy Hill

The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.