All was ready to move into my new home in Oxford next Friday. My conveyancer now wants me to supply her with proof of content and building insurance for the property as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the mortgage company. What does the insurance need to cover?

All property lawyers on acting for mortgage companies would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in Oxford.

We are purchasing a detached bungalow in Oxford. We would like to carry out a loft conversion at the property.Will the conveyancing process include checks to see if these alterations are allowed?

Your property lawyer should check the registered title as conveyancing in Oxford can sometimes identify restrictions in the title documents which prohibit categories of works or necessitated the permission of a 3rd party. Many works need local authority planning permissions and approval under the building regulations. Many areas are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. You should check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

When it comes to mortgage companies such as Coventry BS, do Oxford lawyers face a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?

We are not aware of any lender fees to register on their panel, although some do levy an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

We have agreed to purchase a house in Oxford. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Kent Reliance be concerned?

Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Kent Reliance your lawyer must check the conveyancing instructions outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Kent Reliance. The CML Handbook sets out minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancing practitioners are required to report to Kent Reliance where a lease does not satisfy these provisions. The specifications relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not limited to Oxford.

My wife and I have a terraced Edwardian house in Oxford. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Halifax. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw two entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold with the matching address. Is it worth asking Halifax to clarify?

You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Oxford and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also enquire as to the position with the conveyancing lawyer who conducted the conveyancing.

I am a sole trader hoping to take an assignment of a lease of an office on the high street. Can you recommend lawyers offering no-sale-no fees for commercial conveyancing in Oxford for below 2k?

We are happy to recommend firms who host a wealth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Oxford, including the disposal and purchase of businesses as well as simply premises. Whether you are looking to acquire or sell a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail unit or a complete business we can put you in touch with the right solicitor. Regarding the charges these will vary based on the structure and terms of the deal. Let us have your contact information or telephone us so that we can furnish you with comprehensive commercial conveyancing quote.

It may have been a long time coming a mortgage agreement from a mortgage company for the refinancing of my 4 bedroom maisonette is due within the next few days. Are you able to recommend an efficient remortgage conveyancing law firm in Oxford ?

You are on the wrong site if you are in need of the lowest fares for conveyancing solicitors in Oxford. Our aim is to provide excellent value conveyancing but our intention is not to advertise as being the cheapest. Resist the temptation to appoint brokers offering £99 conveyancing in Oxford.At best, in going for cheap conveyancing, you will get what you pay for and at worst you will end up paying a lot in additional fee and still not get the service you were hoping for.