My best friend’s sister is a solicitor. I expect that I can be offered friends and family pricing for conveyancing, but if not, what level of fees should I be paying for conveyancing in Shortlands?

It’s a good idea to get two or three conveyancing estimates. Make use of our comparison tool on this page. You will notice that estimates do be different but the service one can expect are distinct between law firms as is true with the vast majority of professional services.

I am planning to move house in May. Will my conveyancing solicitor call the removal company on the day of completion. On a separate note, can you put forward a removal company in Shortlands. Conveyancing solicitor was found prior to coming across your page.

On the afternoon of completion you will need to collect the house keys from your selling agent but this should only take place once the vendors conveyancers inform the agent that they acknowledge receipt of the completion payment and the keys can be collected. You can inform the removal company that they can start moving you in. We are not in a position to suggest a specific removal company but can help you find a conveyancing in Shortlands or a firm that specialises in conveyancing in Shortlands.

We are getting the release of further monies on our mortgage from UBS as we want to carry out renovations to our home in Shortlands. Are we obliged to choose a bricks and mortar Shortlands solicitor on the UBS conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?

UBS don't usually require a member of their conveyancing panel to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the UBS conveyancing panel.

I am selling my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in February 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s lender, Coventry BS are being pedantic. The Shortlands solicitor who is on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Coventry BS are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Coventry BS have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Coventry BS have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Coventry BS may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

My partner and I are planning on selling our home in Shortlands and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being constructed land that was not decontaminated. A local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Shortlands. We have lived in Shortlands for 5 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing lawyer already. What do they say? You should enquire of 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 health insurance to cover that same sickness)

How does conveyancing in Shortlands differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Shortlands contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because developers in Shortlands tend to buy the site, 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 property lawyers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Shortlands or who has acted in the same development.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Shortlands conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Shortlands conveyancing practice) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you make enquires with several firms including non Shortlands conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be of use:

What are the charges for lease extension work? Can they put you in touch with clients in Shortlands who can give a testimonial?

I am the registered owner of a ground flat in Shortlands. Given that I can not reach agreement with the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the amount payable for the purchase of the freehold?

Most definitely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Shortlands conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Shortlands residence is Ravensbourne Lodge 4 Highland Road in February 2013. the Tribunal held that the amount payable for the freehold was £22,268