We are only a couple days away from an exchange on a house in Putney and my parents have transferred the exchange deposit to my conveyancer. I am now told that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the mortgage company he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I disclosed to the lender concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really necessary for him to raise this?

Your property lawyer is legally required to check with the bank to make sure that they understand that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I am considering applying for a Skipton mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Putney with 70% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Skipton ?

There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Skipton will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.

I have todaybecome aware that Wolstenholmes have closed. They conducted my conveyancing in Putney for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I be sure that the property is registered correctly in the name of the previous owner?

The quickest method to see if the property is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Putney conveyancing specialists.

I'm purchasing a new build house in Putney with a loan from Clydesdale. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of additionals instead. The estate agent suggested that I not disclose to my solicitor about the deal as it may put at risk my mortgage with the lender. Should I keep quiet?.

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

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Putney for my remortgage. Is there any facility to see a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?

You can read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations started on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could monitor call for training requirements.