We are purchasing a property and need a conveyancing solicitor in Kent who is on the Leeds Building Society approved panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a solicitor?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Leeds Building Society . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Kent.

How can we know in advance if a Kent conveyancing solicitor on the Barclays panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Kent obtaining recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer handling your transaction.

We have a mortgage agreed in principle with Co-operative. Kent conveyancing practitioners were appointed. How long does it take for Co-operative to forward the offer to the lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Co-operative completed the valuation? Have you informed Co-operative as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Co-operative conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

My wife and I are spending time viewing apartments in Kent and I am about to put in an offer. Is it wise to have my property lawyer on ‘stand by’? I intend to finance via a mortgage with Virgin Money.

You should start obtaining conveyancing quotes from solicitors ASAP. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their contact information on to the estate agent. Given that you are getting a mortgage with Virgin Money, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.

We're new to the buying process - agreed a price, but the estate agent informed us that the owners will only issue a contract if we appoint the agent's recommended conveyancers as they are insisting on an ‘expedited deal’. Our preferred option is to instruct a local conveyancer used to conveyancing in Kent

We suspect that the owner is not behind this requirement. Should the seller desire ‘a quick sale', turning down a serious purchaser is likely to cause more damage than good. Speak to the vendors direct and make the point that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are ready to progress, with finances in place © you are chain free (d) you intend to proceed fast (e)however you intend to instruct your own,trusted Kent conveyancing lawyers - not the ones that will earn the negotiator at the agency a introducer fee or hit his conveyancing targets demanded by senior management.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Kent conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Kent conveyancing practice) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you talk with two or three firms including non Kent conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions could be useful:

How familiar is the practice with lease extension legislation? If they are not ALEP accredited then why not?

I purchased a split level flat in Kent, conveyancing formalities finalised half a dozen years ago. Can you let me have an estimate of the premium that my landlord can legally expect in return for granting a renewal of my lease? Equivalent properties in Kent with a long lease are worth £227,000. The ground rent is £50 per annum. The lease terminates on 21st October 2098

You have 72 years unexpired we estimate the price of your lease extension to span between £9,500 and £11,000 plus costs.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to supply the actual costs without more comprehensive investigations. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

Is there a difference between surveying and conveyancing in Kent?

Conveyancing - in Kent or anywhere in England and Wales - is the process of legally transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It therefore includes the investigation of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re purchasing and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you a powerful reason for reducing the price down or asking the seller to remedy the defects before you complete your move.