My fiance’s mother is a property lawyer. I hope that I'll be able to get preferential pricing for conveyancing, but if not, what level of figure would I typically be looking at for conveyancing in Halstead?

It’s advisable to request 3 or more like-for-like conveyancing quotes. Do use our comparison tool on this page. You will notice that prices do be different but service levels do are distinct between law firms as is the case with most professions.

Are the BSA intent on creating a search tool with a view to list law firms on the Darlington Building Society conveyancing panel for instance in Halstead?

We are not aware of any intention on the part of the BSA to promote such a register.

I am the sole recipient of my late grandmother’s estate and I have everything in my name now, including the my former home in Halstead. The Halstead property was put into my name in June. I want to move. I understand that there is a Mortgage Lenders 6 month 'rule', meaning my proprietorship could be regarded the same way as if I'd bought the property in June. Is the property unsalable for six months?

The CML handbook obliges conveyancers to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you might be impacted by that. How sensible a view lenders take of it, depend on the lender as this clause primarily exists to identify subsales or the wholesaling and assigning of properties.

Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Bank of Ireland. Halstead conveyancing solicitors are chosen. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Bank of Ireland?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Bank of Ireland conducted the survey? Have you advised Bank of Ireland as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Bank of Ireland conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

My wife and I are spending time looking at apartments in Halstead and I am about to put in an offer. Is it best to have a conveyancer on ‘stand by’? I intend to finance via a home loan with Principality.

It would be prudent to commence your search sooner rather than later. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their contact information on to the estate agent. As you are getting a mortgage with Principality, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Principality conveyancing panel.

I'm purchasing a new build house in Halstead with the aid of help to buy. The builders would not move on the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of extras instead. The sale representative told me not disclose to my solicitor about the side-deal as it could adversely affect my mortgage with the bank. Should I keep quiet?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer 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.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Halstead conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Halstead conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Halstead conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be helpful:

What are the costs for lease extension conveyancing?

Leasehold Conveyancing in Halstead - A selection of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Who are the managing agents? Can you inform me if there are any major works anticipated that could add a premium to the service fees? Its a good idea to find out as much as you can concerning the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are frequently at the mercy of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to every day issues like the upkeep of the common parts. Ask other people what they think of their service. On a final note, be sure you understand the dates that the service charges are due to the appropriate party and specifically what it includes.