I am need of leasehold conveyancing for a flat in a relatively new development (seven years old) in Berkeley. 95% of the flats are already disposed of. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches for my conveyancing in Berkeley?

You are putting yourself at risk in not carrying out Berkeley conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal necessity to have them, but we would strongly advise in the strongest possible terms that your solicitor conducts them. Where speed and cost are primary concerns you should discuss with your lawyer about the viability of search insurance

I'm buying my first flat in Berkeley with the aid of help to buy. The developers would not budge the amount so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep told me not reveal to my solicitor about this deal as it would adversely affect my mortgage with . Is this normal?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Berkeley is where the house is located. Can you offer any advice?

Flying freeholds in Berkeley are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Berkeley you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Berkeley 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 premises.

Given that I will soon part with 450k on 3 bedroom house in Berkeley I would like to talk to a conveyancer about myhome move before instructing the firm. Is this something that you can arrange?

This is something that we encourage - we would be pleased to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you liaising with the solicitor due to be carrying out your property ownership legalities in Berkeley.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is unique individual, not a matter number. The practices that we put you in touch with believe that the fees you are quoted for your conveyancing in Berkeley should be the amount on the final invoice that you end up paying.

What is the best way to find the right lawyer for my conveyancing in Berkeley ?

First ask your friends and family who they used in the past and if they were happy with the service. Second, search the internet for conveyancing in Berkeley. Call two or three from the list and ask them to email you their conveyancing charges and speak to the lawyer who will conduct your conveyancing before you commit. Option 3 is to use this site to assist you in finding the right solicitors taking into account your unique requirements including location,speed, complexity and who your intended lender is.Resist the temptation to appoint lowest cost conveyancing solicitors in Berkeley