It is is a decade since I acquired my home in Witney. Conveyancing lawyers have recently been instructed on the sale but I am unable to locate my title documents. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. First the deeds may be retained by your lender or they could stored with the conveyancers who acted in your purchase. Secondly the likelihood is that the title will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers acquiring up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Witney relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your property is unregistered it is more problematic but is resolvable.

We wanted to use a property lawyer in Witney for our house purchase. Our broker has since notified us that our mortgage lenders Nationwide Building Society won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unfair competition?

A mortgage company can require a panel conveyancer act for it. Borrowers are liable to bear the charges for this. Do use our directory service to locate a solicitor to carry conveyancing in Witney on the Nationwide Building Society approved list of solicitors.

I have been told that property searches are the main cause of hinderance in Witney conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) released conclusions of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are unlikely to be the root cause of delay in conveyancing in Witney.

Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Witney before instructing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend refuse to grant a mortgage on this type of premises.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Witney. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I am in the process of buying my first house in Witney. Conveyancing solicitor already instructed. The financial consultant advised that a survey is not needed as the property was only constructed 16 yrs ago.

As the bare minimum you need a Home Buyer's Report. As the residence was constructed over a decade ago the property will not come with a warranty, so you don't want to take a risk. Where a property of this age shows no signs of defects a Home Buyer's report may suffice. They will highlight any apparent problems and suggest further investigation if relevant. If there are any indications of problems get a comprehensive structural survey.