We are nearing an exchange on a property in County Durham and my parents have transferred the exchange deposit to my conveyancer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my conveyancing practitioner needs to make a notification to my bank. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I informed the mortgage company concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for this now to hold matters up?

The conveyancer is obliged to check with the bank to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only notify this to your bank if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

Have completed on a a detached house in County Durham , What is the estimated time for the Land Registry to deal with the formalities evidencing the transfer to my name? My County Durham conveyancing solicitor has been very slow, so I want to be sure that my name is registered.

There is nothing unique when it comes to conveyancing in County Durham registration formalities. Rather than based on location, timeframes can vary subject to who lodges the application, whether there are errors and if the Land registry need to notify any third parties. Currently in the region of three quarters of such applications are completed within two weeks but some can be subject to extensive delays. Historically registration takes place once the new owner is living at the property thus post completion formalities is not typically an essential issue but if there is a degree of urgency associated with the registration then you or your conveyancer must speak with the land registry and explain the circumstances.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a simple, no chain conveyancing. County Durham is where the house is located. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in County Durham are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside County Durham you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in County Durham may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

What advice can you give us when it comes to finding a County Durham conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a County Durham conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non County Durham conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be of use:

How experienced is the practice with lease extension legislation?

County Durham Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Best to be warned if a new roof is being put on or some other significant cost is anticipated to be shared between the leasehold owners and may well materially impact the level of the maintenance charges or require a specific payment. How is the lease structured? Its a good idea to discover as much as you can regarding the managing agents as they can either make living at the property much easier or problematic. Being a leasehold owner you are frequently at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to practical issues such as the upkeep of the common parts. Ask other tenants if they are happy with them. Finally, investigate as to the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the managing agents and specifically what you get for your money.

I am hoping to purchase a repression property in County Durham and the bank selling demand completion within a week. Can a conveyancing practitioner meet that timeframe? Am I best advised to use a local County Durham firm or an online organisation that advertises to offer speedy conveyancing?

Visit your County Durham high street. Pop in to a couple of companies and request to see a conveyancing solicitor for an estimate. Set out your needs and get assurances on time frames. Choose the firm that appears most genuine. You need to use a solicitor on the panel of conveyancing practitioners who can act for your mortgage company.