I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Rutland. My lender is Platform

Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 13/11/2025, the requirements read as follows :

We are selling our property in Rutland and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built on contaminated land. Any high street Rutland lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers used a web based conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Rutland. Having lived in Rutland for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to seek confirmation that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing lawyer already. What do they say? 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 life insurance to cover that same sickness)

I'm purchasing my first flat in Rutland with a loan from The Royal Bank of Scotland. The developers refused to budge the amount so I negotiated £7000 of additionals instead. The estate agent told me not reveal to my solicitor about this extras as it could adversely affect my mortgage with the lender. 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.

Am I right to be suspicious about third parties that I am dealing with are recommending an online conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Rutland conveyancing company?

As with many service providers, often referrals from family and friends can be worth their weight in gold. But there are lots of parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies may put forward conveyancers to retain. Sometimes these lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there behind the scenes financial incentive behind the endorsement. You have the right to choose your preferred lawyer. However, bear in mind that most banks specify a panel list of solicitors you have to use for the mortgage related work in your conveyancing.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for leasehold conveyancing in Rutland. I have chance upon a site which seems to have the ideal solution If there is a chance to get all formalities completed via email that would be preferable. Do I need to be wary? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?