I plan on acquiring a maisonette in Knowle. My lawyer is not on the lender approved panel. Is it possible for me to use my Knowle conveyancing solicitor even though they are excluded from the bank panel?

One must instruct a lawyer to complete the formalities when you need a loan to purchase your property. They will conduct all the relevant investigations on the property, make sure that you will be registered as proprietor and ensure that all the required mortgage paperwork is dealt with. One may instruct a Knowle conveyancer of your choosing. Nevertheless, if the solicitor selected is not on the lender solicitor panel additional costs will be incurred as separate legal representation will be need by the bank. Lender panel applications can be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not previously applied for membership they can do so.

Our son is buying a house that has just been built in Knowle with a home loan from Nottingham. His solicitor has said that there is a delay in completing the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. What is this document - I have never come across this before?

The form is intended to provide information to the main parties involved in the purchase. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the Nottingham conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the valuer when requested. The developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it. The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the Nottingham conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Knowle. My lender is Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 12/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a leasehold house in Knowle. Conveyancing solicitors have not yet been appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Knowle ?

Most houses in Knowle are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can assist with the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Knowle in which case you should be looking for a Knowle conveyancing practitioner and check that they are used to dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a lessee you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer should appraise you on the various issues.

I bought a studio flat in Knowle, conveyancing was carried out in 1997. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Equivalent flats in Knowle with an extended lease are worth £201,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease expires on 21st October 2089

You have 64 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to span between £14,300 and £16,400 plus professional fees.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs without more comprehensive investigations. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other issues that need to be considered and clearly you want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

Would local authority consent be required to change a house into two flats in Knowle? This has taken place to a property adjacent to a relative in Knowle and was not aware of it happening until it was finished.

Planning Consent yes. Building Reg Approval yes.