We are acquiring our first home. Our conveyancer has messagedto ask if we want to purchase supplemental conveyancing searches. We are really unsure what's appropriate for conveyancing in St Helens

The type of St Helens conveyancing searches depends primarily on the premises, the location, the likelihood of any of these risks, your familiarity of the region and risks, your overall appetite to risk. What matters is that you adequately appreciate what information each search could provide. Then you can make a decision if you personally think you need that search. If unsure, ask the conveyancer to guide you.

We are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our house in St Helens and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was constructed land that was not decontaminated. Any local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers used an internet conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in St Helens. We have lived in St Helens for many years we know of no issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to get clarification need.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? 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)

Have purchased a a terraced house in St Helens , What is the estimated time for the Land Registry to record my ownership? My St Helens conveyancing solicitor has been painfully slow, so I want to be certain the registration is concluded.

There is nothing unique about conveyancing in St Helens registration formalities. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timeframes can adjust according to the party submitting the application, whether there are errors and whether the Land registry communicate with any 3rd parties. Currently roughly 80% of submission are completed within 12 days but some can be subject to longer delays. Registration takes place once the new owner has moved in to the property therefore 'speed' is not typically an essential issue but if it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your solicitor can speak with the land registry and explain the circumstances.

Am I best advised to instruct a St Helens conveyancing solicitor who is local to the property I am purchasing? We have a good friend who can perform the legal work however his firm is located 400miles drive away.

The benefit of a local St Helens conveyancing practice is that you can attend the office to sign paperwork, present your ID and pester them where appropriate. Having local St Helens know how is a bonus. That being said it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If if people you trust instructed your friend and in the main were happy that must trump using an unfamiliar St Helens conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being round the corner.

Are all St Helens conveyancers on every lender conveyancing panel?

The Lexsure search tool on this page may be of use or you can go into your local bank branch in St Helens. Chances are that they can recommend conveyancing solicitors in St Helens