Recently contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Kingston who completed the legal work two years ago and wanted a conveyancing quote based on an identical type of house sale & purchase (a leasehold property and a freehold property) of similar values with a mortgage from Bank of Scotland. I am now being quoted double. Should I hunt for a cheaper online property lawyer?

The estimate fees seem a bit high. If you shop around you could reduce the fees marginally by perhaps a hundred pounds. On the other hand, providing that you were satisfied with the assistance the firm gave you couldcome to rue choosing an a cheaper conveyancer. Don't forget to check the solicitor can represent Bank of Scotland. You can make use of our search tool to choose a Kingston conveyancing firm on the Bank of Scotland conveyancing panel, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Kingston.

I am under pressure from the seller of a property in Kingston to sign contracts within four weeks. What can I do to expedite matters?

First, If you are under time constraints for your conveyancing it is highly recommended that your solicitor is familiar with the location as they will benefit local relationships and intelligence. It is possible that they could have transacted otherproperties in the same road. Therefore consider using a Kingston conveyancing firm. In addition, double check that the lawyer is on the on the approved list for your mortgage company. It is understood that 18% of Kingston conveyancing deals are frustrated or derailed after discovering a purchaser’s solicitor was not on their banks panel. In many cases this discovery resulted in the legal transfer of property being frustrated by an average of three weeks. It is estimated that this issue affects approximately 100,000 home sales every year. Many Kingston conveyancing firms can not represent certain mortgage companies so do check at the outset.

Why is leasehold purchase conveyancing in Kingston costs more?

Kingston leasehold properties involve far more paperwork than a freehold purchase, and therefore takes more time to examine and advise upon.Conveyancing will involve the lease having to be checked which is usually a lengthy document, queries raised to ensure that the covenants and conditions have been observed. If it is a flat there will be a management company in existence and the accounts of this will need to be checked and enquiries raised to ensure it is operating efficiently and that all monies due have been paid by the Seller to the company and if not ensuring that money is paid up to date or the appropriate undertakings obtained.

My father has suggested that I instruct his conveyancers in Kingston. Do I follow his advice?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Kingston conveyancing lawyer the best way to choose a conveyancing practitioner is to seek referrals from friends or relatives who have actually experience in using the firm that you are contemplating using.

Me and my wife are first time buyers just having agreed a price on a property in Kingston, and are about to get solicitors instructed. I have made use of the various comparison tools and the quotes are from all across the England and Wales. Is it critical to have a Kingston solicitor local to the prospective house? We are fine to do everything electronically, but I assume at some stage we may be required to attend the lawyer's office to sign contracts?

The property lawyer does not need to be in Kingston, but opting for local means that you can go in if required, by way of example, if a signature is needed urgently. Furthermore, a Kingston solicitor have established relationships with local agents and (if the vendor has chosen a local conveyancing practitioner) with them, which will help smooth the process.