We are soon to complete buying a house in Victoria Docks but as a result of wreckage from some water damage at the property I have managed to agree compensation from the current proprietors of three thousand pounds in the form of a reduction in the price. This was going to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process but HSBC are not allowing this. Should they have been approached?

Your property lawyer being on a HSBC conveyancing panel is obliged to disclose to HSBC of any variations to the purchase price. If you were to refuse your property lawyer to disclose the price change to HSBC then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, HSBC and you would have to appoint a new solicitor for your conveyancing in Victoria Docks.

We are purchasing a house and the conveyancer has mentioned Chancel Repair for which the property may be liable given it’s proximity to the area of such a church. She has suggested insurance. Is this strictly required for conveyancing in Victoria Docks

Unless a prior purchase of the premises completed after 12 October 2013 you could take it that solicitors handling conveyancing in Victoria Docks to remain encouraging a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I purchased a renovated Victorian house in Victoria Docks. Conveyancing lawyer represented me and Coventry Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold with the exact same property. Is it worth asking Coventry Building Society to clarify?

You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Victoria Docks and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also question the situation with your conveyancing practitioner who conducted the work.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Victoria Docks. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Victoria Docks

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified.

My father-in-law has suggested that I instruct his conveyancers in Victoria Docks. Do I follow his advice?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Victoria Docks conveyancing lawyer it’s preferable to find a conveyancing lawyer is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually previously instructed the firm that you are considering.