I can't travel far from Kent. I would like to know the logic why all Kent lawyers aren't included on all mortgage company panels?

Mortgage companies highlight the fact that solicitor-led fraud is considered to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud every year.The elimination of law firms from lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the FSA in 2011. Its outcome included recommendations for mortgage companies to review their conveyancing panels, which kicked off a major policy change in the sector. This resulted in banks and building societies purging a number of firms from their panel of approved property lawyers .

Various web forums that I have frequented warn that are a common reason for stalling in Kent conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published conclusions of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Searches are not likely to be the root cause of slowing down conveyancing in Kent.

I am buying a new build apartment in Kent. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Kent

Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Kent is the location of the property. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Kent are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Kent you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Kent may determine 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 residence.

I need to instruct a conveyancing lawyer in Kent for my home move. Is there any facility to check a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?

You can see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may recorded call for training purposes.