My mortgage broker has requested my Sawston solicitor’s panel reference for the HSBC conveyancing panel. What is the best way to obtain this. I have called my local Sawston office but they don't know it.

Have you tried speaking to your Sawston conveyancing practitioner about this?. Most Sawston law firms will retain a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each mortgage company.

Should our conveyancer be raising enquiries about flooding as part of the conveyancing in Sawston.

Flooding is a growing risk for conveyancers specialising in conveyancing in Sawston. There are those who acquire a property in Sawston, completely aware that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical damage, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, suitable insurance cover, or dispose of the premises. There are steps that can be taken as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.

Conveyancers are not qualified to give advice on flood risk, but there are a various checks that may be undertaken by the purchaser or by their solicitors which should give them a better appreciation of the risks in Sawston. The conventional set of information sent to a buyer’s solicitor (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a standard inquiry of the vendor to find out whether the property has suffered from flooding. If the premises has been flooded in past which is not notified by the seller, then a buyer may bring a legal claim for losses as a result of such an inaccurate reply. A purchaser’s solicitors will also conduct an enviro report. This should reveal if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations should be conducted.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Sawston. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Sawston

If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Please supply a car parking plan. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for remortgage conveyancing in Sawston. I happened to chance upon a site which appears to be the ideal solution If there is a chance to get all this stuff done via phone that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What are the potential pitfalls?

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?

My mortgage broker has suggested using their property lawyer for the conveyancing in Sawston - won’t it be easier to just instruct them?

It is worth checking if the estate agent is recommending a property lawyer or introducing to a conveyancer. There are plenty of Sawston selling agents who recommend two or three Sawston conveyancing firms purely based on those lawyers offering a great service.