I am about to exchange on the purchase of a house in Bishop Auckland but as a consequence of wreckage from some water damage at the property I have was able negotiate reparation from the seller of six thousand pounds taking the form of a deduction in the price. I had intended this to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process however Nottingham will not permit this. Should they have been notified?

Your conveyancing practitioner that is on a Nottingham approved list is obliged to inform Nottingham of any changes to the sale price. If you prohibit your conveyancing practitioner to disclose the reduction to Nottingham then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, Nottingham and you would have to appoint a new conveyancer for your conveyancing in Bishop Auckland.

We are downsizing from our property in Bishop Auckland and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed a factory type conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Bishop Auckland. We have lived in Bishop Auckland for many years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to seek clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor already. Are they able to advise? You need to 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 ailment)

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Bishop Auckland. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here are examples of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Bishop Auckland

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants.

I only have 72 years unexpired on my lease in Bishop Auckland. I need to get lease extension but my freeholder is missing. What should I do?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can submit an application to the County Court for an order to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will enable the lease to be granted an extra 90 years by the Court. However, you will be required to prove that you have used your best endeavours to find the lessor. In some cases a specialist should be helpful to conduct investigations and to produce a report which can be used as proof that the landlord is indeed missing. It is wise to seek advice from a property lawyer both on investigating the landlord’s absence and the vesting order request to the County Court overseeing Bishop Auckland.

I acquired a garden flat in Bishop Auckland, conveyancing formalities finalised in 2008. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Corresponding flats in Bishop Auckland with a long lease are worth £197,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £55 charged once a year. The lease ceases on 21st October 2081

With just 56 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to be between £29,500 and £34,000 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure without more comprehensive due diligence. You should not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There may be other issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

I was informed by my lender that their panel solicitors operate no sale no charge basis for conveyancing in Bishop Auckland. I had a purchase abort and now the lawyers have invoiced for search fees! They are claiming that the fees are independent!

Bishop Auckland conveyancing search costs are separate expenses not legal costs as these are payable to independent parties.