My financial adviser says he needs my Portland solicitor’s panel member for the Santander conveyancing panel. What is the best way to find this out. I have tried my local Portland branch but they have not got back to me yet.

The sensible thing to do is ask for this information from your Portland conveyancing practitioner . Most Portland conveyancing practices will keep a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each lender.

I am need of leasehold conveyancing for an apartment in a fairly new development (6 years built) in Portland. The vast majority the flats are already sold. Is it strictly necessary to order neighbourhood searches as part of conveyancing in Portland?

A big part of the Portland conveyancing process is the conveyancing searches. There are hundreds search providers conducting Portland conveyancing searches, as well straight from the local authority. These are usually referred to as personal search organisation due to them carrying out, personal searches. Nevertheless, all Local Authority Search conveyancing products have one thing in common - they must obtain their data from the local authority.

I am buying a new build house in Portland benefiting from help to buy. The developers refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The property agent advised me not reveal to my conveyancer about the side-deal as it may affect my loan with the bank. Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder 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.

My partner has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Portland. Should I use them?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Portland conveyancing lawyer the ideal way to select a conveyancing lawyer is to get referrals from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor that you are are thinking of instructing.

I am in need of some leasehold conveyancing in Portland. Before I set the wheels in motion I want to be sure as to the unexpired term of the lease.

If the lease is registered - and almost all are in Portland - then the leasehold title will always include the basic details of the lease, namely the date; the term; and the original parties. From a conveyancing perspective such details then enable any prospective buyer and lender to confirm that any lease they are looking at is the one relevant to that title. For any other purpose, such as confirming how long the term was granted for and calculating what is left, then the register should be sufficient on it's own.

Portland Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries Prior to buying

The answer will be important as a) areas may result in problems for the block as the common areas may begin to deteriorate if maintenance are not paid for b) if the leasehold owners have an issue with the running of the building you will wish to know about it It would be wise to find out as much as possible concerning the company managing the building as they can either make life much easier or problematic. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are frequently in the clutches of the managing agents from a financial perspective and when it comes to daily matters such as the upkeep of the communal areas. Don't be afraid to ask other tenants whether they are happy with them. On a final note, find out the dates that the service fees are due to the relevant party and precisely what you get for your money. It is important to be aware whether changing the roof or some other major work is due in the foreseeable future that will be shared by the leaseholders and will materially increase the the maintenance charges or necessitate a one time payment.