My husband and I are only a couple days away from an exchange on a property in Beverley and my parents have sent the 10% deposit to my property lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my conveyancing practitioner needs to disclose this to my mortgage company. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I informed the bank regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really appropriate for this now to hold matters up?

Your property lawyer is legally required to clarify with the bank to make sure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. Your solicitor can only notify this to your lender if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I own a freehold premises in Beverley but nevertheless pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Beverley and has limited impact for conveyancing in Beverley but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for hundreds of years, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The bank mentioned the mortgage came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to use their panel solicitor as I would much rather use a high street conveyancing solicitor in Beverley?

Do check but the chances are that appoint one of their panel solicitors should you want the "fee-free" incentive. Call the lender and see if they make available a cash alternative. It is not unheard for a lender to give a £250 cashback as a further option in which case that money can go towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor near Beverley.

We are selling our home in Beverley and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. Any local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers are using an internet conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Beverley. Having lived in Beverley for 4 years we know that this is a non issue. Do we get in touch with our local Authority to seek confirmation that there is no issue.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing lawyer currently acting for you. What do they say? You must enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same illness)

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Beverley. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Beverley

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Please supply a car parking plan. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided.