My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Southampton. I need to find out if they are on the Bank of Scotland approved list of lawyers. Could you advise?

You should e-mail the solicitor and ask them whether they are on the lender panel. Otherwise please call Bank of Scotland who may be able to confirm.

What will a local search inform me regarding the house we're buying in Southampton?

Southampton conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search company such as Searchflow The local search is essential in every Southampton conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any nasty surprises after you move into your property. The search should supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 subject sections.

I am buying a new build flat in Southampton. Conveyancing is daunting 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 conveyancing.

Set out below are examples of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Southampton

Please supply a car parking plan. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.

I am attracted to a two maisonettes in Southampton both have about forty five years remaining on the lease term. Will this present a problem?

There are plenty of short leases in Southampton. The lease is a right to use the property for a period of time. As the lease shortens the saleability of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more costly to extend the lease. For this reason it is often a good idea to extend the lease term. More often than not it is difficulties arise selling premises with a short lease because mortgage companies may be unwilling to lend money on such properties. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We recommend you seek professional assistance from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this field.

I acquired a 1st floor flat in Southampton, conveyancing having been completed half a dozen years ago. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Corresponding properties in Southampton with a long lease are worth £211,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £50 levied per year. The lease expires on 21st October 2092

You have 68 years unexpired the likely cost is going to range between £9,500 and £11,000 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to advice on a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed due diligence. You should not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be other issues that need to be considered and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.

My wife and I have appointed a Southampton conveyancing solicitor for our house purchase (first time buyers) and have noticed in the terms and conditions that they are not regulated by the FCA. Need I be worried or is that standard with solicitor?

We can't see why they should be. Most property lawyer don't lend money. You should check that they are regulated by the SRA, who set strict obligations regulating amounts sitting in their bank.