Our solicitor has uncovered a a problem with the lease for the apartment we are purchasing in Gloucester. The seller’s lawyers have suggested defective title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will cover the costs. Our lawyer says that he must ensure that the lender is content with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the mortgage company ?

The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the bank are the client. Your solicitor must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook provisions. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the lender can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your property lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Gloucester? What am I being asked for?

In order to comply with Money Laundering Regulations any Gloucester conveyancing firm will require evidence of your identity in all conveyancing matters. This is usually dealt with by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility account evidencing where you live.

Under Money Laundering Regulations, conveyancing solicitors are required to validate not simply the identity of conveyancing clients but also the origin of fund that they receive in respect of any matter. Refusal to disclose this will result in your lawyer cancelling their retainer with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.

Your property lawyers will have an obligation to inform the relevant authorities should they consider that any amounts received by them may contravene the Money Laundering Regulations.

My wife and I are buying a property in Gloucester. I might seem paranoid but how we can trust a conveyancer? At some point we have to send funds into their account. What is the protection we have from them run away with our deposit?

Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.

Can I be sure that the Gloucester conveyancing solicitor on the Co-operative panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Gloucester getting recommendations is a good start. 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 advertising the lowest fees. We would always suggest that you speak with the solicitor conducting your transaction.

I am expecting a OIP from Barclays this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Barclays recommend any Gloucester solicitors on the Barclays conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

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

Do I need to take out insurance to cover chancel repairs when purchasing a house in Gloucester?

Unless a previous purchase of the property took place after 12 October 2013 you could assume that solicitors handling conveyancing in Gloucester to remain encouraging a chancel search and or chancel repair liability policy.

Is there anything unique about your site and alternative internet conveyancing brokers when it comes to conveyancing in Gloucester?

At this site obtain a fixed fee quote via a Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that appreciates the issues of your conveyancing in Gloucester. As opposed to estate agents and many comparison sites we do not operate referral deals with solicitors. A large number of agents and online brokers 'recommend' solicitors who pay the highest per referral, not the best value conveyancing in Gloucester