I am purchasing a new build house in Guildford benefiting from help to buy. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep advised me not disclose to my solicitor about the side-deal as it may impact my loan with the bank. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in last month in what should have been a quick, no chain conveyancing. Guildford is where the house is located. Can you offer any advice?

Flying freeholds in Guildford are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Guildford you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Guildford may ascertain 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 premises.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for sale conveyancing in Guildford. I've chance upon a web site which appears to be the ideal answer If it is possible to get all this stuff completed via web that would be ideal. Do I need to be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

I only have 62 years remaining on my lease in Guildford. I now want to get lease extension but my freeholder is can not be found. What are my options?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be extended by the magistrate. However, you will be required to demonstrate that you have made all reasonable attempts to locate the lessor. On the whole a specialist would be useful to try and locate and to produce an expert document to be accepted by the court as evidence that the freeholder can not be located. It is wise to seek advice from a conveyancer both on investigating the landlord’s disappearance and the application to the County Court overseeing Guildford.

I own a 1st floor flat in Guildford, conveyancing formalities finalised July 2009. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Comparable flats in Guildford with over 90 years remaining are worth £206,000. The ground rent is £45 charged once a year. The lease ceases on 21st October 2091

With just 65 years left to run we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £13,300 and £15,400 as well as legals.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to advice on the actual costs in the absence of comprehensive investigations. You should not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional concerns that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

How much experience do your Guildford conveyancing solicitors have with Help To Buy, Shared Equity and similar schemes?

Guildford conveyancing lawyers help thousands of buyers move home every year and supported plenty of clients through the Help To Buy scheme. The chances are that whatever makes your case unique Guildford conveyancers have worked on recent similar cases.