Is the fact that my solicitor in Moss Nook is not listed on my bank's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the standard of the firm’s conveyancing?

That would most likely be a wrong assumption to make. There are plenty of reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Where you are concerned you should contact the Moss Nook conveyancing practice and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your bank.

I own a freehold premises in Moss Nook yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Moss Nook and has limited impact for conveyancing in Moss Nook but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.

I have been told that property searches are the number one reason for stalling in Moss Nook conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the conclusions of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Moss Nook.

I am purchasing my first flat in Moss Nook with a mortgage from The Mortgage Works. The builders refused to reduce the price so I negotiated £7000 of fixtures and fittings instead. The property agent suggested that I not to tell my solicitor about this side-deal as it may put at risk my loan with the lender. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

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.

I am looking for a conveyancing practitioner in Moss Nook for my home move. Is there any facility to check a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?

Anyone may review published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions resulting from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded call for training requirements.