My brother and I have just purchased a house in Redbridge. We have noticed several problems with the house which we believe were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? Can you clarify the type of searches that should have been conducted as part of conveyancing in Redbridge?

It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are unique to conveyancing in Redbridge. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller answers a document referred to as a SPIF. If the information provided is inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Redbridge.

As a first time buyer what is the most important advice you can impart regarding purchase conveyancing in Redbridge?

You may not hear this from too many lawyers but conveyancing in Redbridge and elsewhere in England and Wales is an adversarial process. In other words, when it comes to conveyancing there is lots of room for friction between you and other parties involved in the legal transfer of property. For example, the seller, selling agent and even potentially the lender. Appointing a lawyer for your conveyancing in Redbridge an important selection as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the ONE party in the transaction whose responsibility is to act in your best interests and to keep you safe.

Every so often a potential adversary may attempt to persuade you that you should follow their advice. For instance, the property agent may claim to be assisting by claiming that your conveyancer is dragging his heels. Or your financial adviser may advise you to do something that is contrary to your lawyers recommendation. You should always trust your lawyer above all other parties in the conveyancing process.

I happen to be the single recipient of my late mum's estate and I have everything in my name now, including the my former home in Redbridge. The Redbridge property was put into my name in December. I now wish to sell up. I understand that there is a Mortgage Lenders 6 month 'rule', which means that my property ownership will be regarded the same way as though I had purchased the property in December. Will no one buy the property for half a year?

The CML handbook requires solicitors to: "report to us immediately if the owner or registered proprietor has been registered for less than six months." By the strict wording you could be impacted by that. How sensible a view lenders take of it, depend on the bank as this provision is principally there to capture the purchase and immediately sell or the flipping of property.

I am expecting a DIP from Clydesdale this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Clydesdale recommend any Redbridge solicitors on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

You will need to appoint Redbridge solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Clydesdale through the process.

I am selling my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in February 2010, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's mortgage company, Aldermore are being difficult. The Redbridge solicitor who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Aldermore are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Aldermore have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Aldermore have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Aldermore may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

What does a local search inform me about the property I am buying in Redbridge?

Redbridge conveyancing often commences with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for example Onsearch The local search plays an important role in many a Redbridge conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any unpleasant surprises after you move into your new home. The search will supply data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic sections.

I have todaybeen informed that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Redbridge for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I be sure that my home is not still registered in the name of the former proprietor?

The quickest way to check if the premises is in your name, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Redbridge conveyancing specialists.