we are a couple who are purchasing a newbuild flat in Great Barford with a loan from Britannia.We use our Great Barford conveyancing practitioner but Britannia advised that she’s not on their "panel". we are left little option but to use a Britannia panel lawyer or retain our local solicitor and fork out for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The home loan issued to you is subject to its various provisions, one of which will be that solicitors must be on the Britannia solicitor panel. Until recently, most mortgage companies had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Britannia

I opted to have a survey done on a house in Great Barford prior to instructing lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor advised that some lenders will refuse to issue a mortgage on such a property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions from Halifax. If you e-mail us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Great Barford. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

My business partner and I are intending to lease a unit on a shopping parade. Can you recommend solicitors offering no-move-no charges for non-domestic conveyancing in Great Barford for below £2000?

We are happy to recommend firms who host a wealth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Great Barford, including the sale and acquisition of businesses as well as simply premises. If you are looking to purchase or lease a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail premises or a whole business we will find you the right lawyer. Regarding the costs these will vary based on the structure and heads of terms of the proposed transaction. Please provide us with your contact information or email us so that we may provide you with a detailed commercial conveyancing calculation.

My uncle has recommend that I appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Great Barford. Do I take his recommendation?

No doubt the best way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to seek guidance from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the firm that you are are thinking of instructing.

I own a leasehold house in Great Barford. Conveyancing and Leeds Building Society mortgage went though with no issue. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1991. The conveyancing solicitor in Great Barford who acted for me is not around. What should I do?

The first thing you should do is make enquiries of HMLR to be sure that the individual purporting to own the freehold is indeed the registered owner of the freehold reversion. There is no need to incur the fees of a Great Barford conveyancing solicitor to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. You should note that regardless, even if this is the legitimate freeholder, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.

Great Barford Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

How much is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the flat? Best to be warned whether a new roof is being installed or some other major work is due shortly to be shared amongst the tenants and could well materially increase the the maintenance charges or result in a specific payment. How long is the Lease?