Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to have a meeting at the offices of the solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Summertown and Botley so that I can attend their offices when needed.

As opposed to 12 years ago, the vast majority mortgage companies no longer need their conveyancing panel solicitor to witness the mortgagors signature. You will still be obliged to hand over identification documents and there are still distinct advantages to instructing a locally based practitioner, in your case a conveyancing solicitor in Summertown and Botley.

How does conveyancing in Summertown and Botley differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Summertown and Botley approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is ready to move into. This is because builders in Summertown and Botley tend to purchase the land, 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Summertown and Botley or who has acted in the same development.

I decided to have a survey done on a property in Summertown and Botley ahead of appointing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend not give a mortgage on a flying freehold home.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different instructions from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Summertown and Botley. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I am looking for a conveyancing lawyer in Summertown and Botley for my sale. Can I see a firm’s record with the legal regulator?

You can read published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions resulting from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes recorded call for training purposes.

What are your top tips when it comes to finding a Summertown and Botley conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Summertown and Botley conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Summertown and Botley conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be of use:

How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation?

I inherited a split level flat in Summertown and Botley, conveyancing formalities finalised 5 years ago. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Corresponding properties in Summertown and Botley with over 90 years remaining are worth £197,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £55 invoiced every year. The lease ends on 21st October 2082

With just 56 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £29,500 and £34,000 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive investigations. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously want to be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward placing reliance on this information before getting professional advice.