We're in Peak District, First timers purchasing with a mortgage (lender is RBS , and our solicitor is on the RBS conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?

The fact that your lawyer is on the RBS conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no conveyancer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.

I am selling our property in Peak District and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was constructed land that was not decontaminated. Any local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used an online conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Peak District. We have lived in Peak District for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to get confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You should check with 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 ailment)

About to purchase a new build flat in Peak District. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Peak District

The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Peak District is where the house is located. Can you offer any guidance?

Flying freeholds in Peak District are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Peak District you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Peak District 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 property.

I am looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Peak District for my house move. Is there any facility to check a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?

One may search for published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions resulting from investigations commenced on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA could recorded telephone calls for training purposes.