I have given 2 months notice to my existing landlord and have to be out of my rented apartment in Godalming by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase is progressing. Can I complete in three weeks as don't want to have to move into temporary accommodation?

It is unwise to give notice on a rental until exchange of contracts has taken place. If you have not already done so, update to your lawyer and request that they cajole the owners side, try to get a realistic time scale from them that all parties will look to achieve

I am the registered owner of a freehold property in Godalming but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Godalming and has limited impact for conveyancing in Godalming but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of new rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

A friend advised me that in purchasing a property in Godalming there could be various restrictions preventing external alterations to a property. Is this right?

There are anumerous of properties in Godalming which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to execute external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Godalming should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

I am buying a property in Godalming. An unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Nationwide have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

As you are obtaining a mortgage with Nationwide your lawyer must comply with the conveyancing instructions contained in Section two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Nationwide. The CML Handbook includes minimum conditions for solar panel roof-space leases, and lawyers are required to report to Nationwide where a lease fails to meet these specifications. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not isolated to Godalming.

My wife and I are at the point of viewing houses in Godalming and I am now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a property lawyer in place at this point? I will be getting a home loan with Virgin Money.

You should start requesting conveyancing estimates from solicitors ASAP. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their contact information on to the selling agent. Given that you are taking out a mortgage with Virgin Money, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.

I am intent on selling our house in Godalming and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being constructed land that was not decontaminated. Any local conveyancer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers instructed an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Godalming. We have lived in Godalming for six years we know that this is a non issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You should enquire of 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 sickness)

How do I search for a Godalming conveyancing solicitor on the mortgage company conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 20miles to attend the solicitor.

You can use the find a conveyancing panel tool on this page. Please choose the lender and your location, in this case Godalming and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest Godalming. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the mortgage company solicitor panel.