My mortgage company has recommended a law firm on their panel based in New Barnet but I would rather instruct a conveyancing lawyer in New Barnet local to me. Can you assist?

It is by no means the case that all New Barnet conveyancing practitioners are approved and listed on all banks conveyancing panel. Do make the most of our find an approved solicitor tool to choose a New Barnet conveyancing solicitor on the on the lender panel.

It has been four months since my purchase conveyancing in New Barnet completed. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £170,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the residence from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

How does conveyancing in New Barnet differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in New Barnet approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in New Barnet typically buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in New Barnet or who has acted in the same development.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in last month in what should have been a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. New Barnet is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can give?

Flying freeholds in New Barnet are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside New Barnet you would need to get your solicitor to go 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 New Barnet may ascertain 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 premises.

At what point do I pay stamp duty chargeable for my New Barnet flat purchase?

Your conveyancing practitioner will fill out a Land Transaction Return Form for you as part of your New Barnet conveyancing transaction for signature. After completion your solicitor will submit the STL Return Form to the Tax Authorities and - assuming they have the money - pay any land tax payable for you.