Last January we completed a house move in Helston. We have since encountered a number of issues with the house which we believe were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? What searches should? have been conducted as part of conveyancing in Helston?

The query is vague as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Helston. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a property owner completes a document called a SPIF. If the information turns out to be inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Helston.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Helston is where the house is located. Can you offer any advice?

Flying freeholds in Helston are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Helston you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Helston may decide 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 property.

Given that I am about to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on a two bedroom apartment in Helston I would like to have a conversation with the solicitor concerning thetransaction ahead of appointing the firm. Can this be arranged?

Absolutely - we would be pleased to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the lawyer who will be doing your property ownership legalities in Helston.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - every client is an important individual, not a file reference. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for residential conveyancing in Helston should be the amount on the final invoice that you are charged.

As co-executor for the estate of my uncle I am disposing of a house in Neath but I am based in Helston. My conveyancer (who is 250 miles awayneeds me to execute a stat dec before the transaction finalising. Could you suggest a conveyancing solicitor in Helston who can attest this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you should not be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily any notary public or qualified solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are Helston based

My father purchased his flat in Helston 7 years ago. He has since got wed, divorced and has recently remarried. He will be selling the apartment next summer. I think he will simply be requested to provide a copy of his marriage certificates to the solicitor but he is anxious it could delay the home sale. Should he instruct a property lawyer to update the title documents for the property?

You are not required to update the title for the property as long as you have the proof required to demonstrate how the change of name has come about.

The buyer’s solicitor should check the land registry entries and request evidence to establish the change of name e.g. marriage certificates.