Due to move into my new home in West Sussex next Tuesday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the lender. What does the insurance need to cover?

Any lawyer on acting for lenders would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook instructions. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in West Sussex.

I have 7378 less than 75 years remaining on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in West Sussex. Conveyancing solicitors on the Tesco Bank panel can deal with such extensions right?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 24/10/2025 the requirements read as follows :

My wife and I are in the throws of viewing houses in West Sussex and I am now considering a potential offer. Is it premature to have a solicitor in place? I will be getting a mortgage with TSB.

It would be wise to commence your search sooner rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the estate agent. Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with TSB, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the TSB conveyancing panel.

It is not clear whether my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my West Sussex bank branch on a couple of occasions and was told it wasn't an issue and they will lend. My West Sussex conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- called and was told they refuse to lend based on their specific requirements. I have no idea who is right.

As long as the property lawyer is on the mortgage company panel, they must adhere to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook provisions for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the lender will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.

My offer on a semi in West Sussex has been accepted, but there is a chain. The vendors have placed an offer on somewhere, but it’s not been accepted yet, and have viewings of other apartments booked. I have selected a bricks and mortar conveyancing solicitor in West Sussex. What do I do now? At what stage do I apply for the mortgage with Aldermore?

It is understandable to have apprehensions where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket prematurely (home loan application is in the region of £1k, then survey, West Sussex conveyancing search fees, etc). First, you should check that your lawyer is on the Aldermore approved list. Concerning the next phase this very much dictated by the uniqueness of your case, desire for the property and on the state of the market. In a rising market the majority of purchasers will apply for the mortgage with Aldermore and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they pay their conveyancer to proceed with the conveyancing in West Sussex.

About to purchase a new build apartment in West Sussex. 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.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in West Sussex

Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in West Sussex prior to appointing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. My surveyor advised that some lenders will refuse to grant a loan on this type of premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different requirements from Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in West Sussex. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in West Sussex to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.