It is is a decade since I acquired my house in Shinfield. Conveyancing solicitors have just been retained on the sale but I am unable to track down my title deeds. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. Firstly there is a chance that the deeds will be with your lender or they could be in the possession of the lawyers who oversaw the purchase. Secondly in all probability the land will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers procuring up to date copy of the land registers. Almost all conveyancing in Shinfield relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your home is not registered it adds to the complexity but is not insurmountable.

I am purchasing a property and need a conveyancing solicitor in Shinfield who is on the Santander conveyancing. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Santander in certain locations such as Shinfield. We dont recommend any particular firm.

How does conveyancing in Shinfield differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Shinfield contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because house builders in Shinfield tend to acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Shinfield or who has acted in the same development.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for residential conveyancing in Shinfield. I've stumble across a site which looks to be the perfect offering If it is possible to get all formalities done via web that would be ideal. Do I need to be wary? 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?

Is there a reason that Shinfield conveyancing fees are more expensive for leasehold and freehold properties?

There is always more work involved in leasehold conveyancing. Shinfield has many leasehold properties. There is more paperwork involved in the purchase: for example, the lease and leasehold information (including up to date service charge, ground rent and buildings insurance details) obtained from the freeholder or managing agents. There are strict criteria that the lease must meet in order to be acceptable to a mortgage company. If it does not meet these requirements, the lease must be amended, which can involve additional expense for the seller.