We selected a New Malden based firm for our conveyancing in New Malden yesterday. Upon checking the small print I noteI am responsible for costs even where the conveyance does not complete. Would I be best advised to use a web based conveyancing company promoting no move no charge conveyancing in New Malden?

It is usually ‘give and take’ in that if "No Sale No Fee" is offered then the conveyancing charges will tend to be be higher to neutralise the conveyances that fail to complete. Also remember that these schemes tend not to protect you from expenditure for example New Malden conveyancing search fees.

I am downsizing from our property in New Malden and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. Any local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used an internet conveyancing firm rather than a conveyancing solicitor in New Malden. We have lived in New Malden for many years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You need to enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

Over the last few months I have been searching for a ground for flat up to £235,500 and found one round the corner in New Malden I like with amenity areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 51 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in New Malden suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term may be an issue. Discount the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should consult your conveyancing lawyer regarding this.

What tools are available to locate a New Malden solicitor on the TSB conveyancing panel? I have wheels and am prepared to travel upto 25kilometers to meet the lawyer.

You can use the facility on this page. Please pick a lender and your location and you will see a number of New Malden conveyancing lawyers locally. We have listed some New Malden conveyancing firms towards the end of this page and you can telephone them to see whether they are on the TSB member panel

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a New Malden conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a New Malden conveyancing practice) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with several firms including non New Malden conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be useful:

How many lease extensions has the firm carried out in New Malden in the last 12 months?

I have given up trying to purchase the freehold in New Malden. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?

Most definitely. We are happy to put you in touch with a New Malden conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a New Malden flat is Flat D 15 Claremont Gardens in September 2013. TheTribunal determined in accordance with section48 and Schedule13 of the Leasehold Reform,Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 that the premium for the extended lease should be fourteen thousand one hundred and eighty seven pounds (£14,187.00) This case affected 1 flat.