I have given 2 months notice to my current landlord and must leave my rented flat in Burnham by . Conveyancing on my purchase is underway. Is it possible to complete in three weeks as don't want to have to move into short term accommodation?

It is unwise to give notice for your letting unless exchange of contracts has taken place. Assuming that you have not previously done so, speak to your solicitor and ask them to they apply pressure on the sellers side, try to get a realistic time scale from them that all parties will work towards

We are purchasing a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in Burnham who is on the approved panel. Can you recommend a local firm?

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

I am assisting my niece sell her property in Burnham. Does the conveyancer arrange the energy performance certificate or should I organise this?

Following the abolition of Home Information Packs, energy performance certificates was left as a mandatory part of selling a house. An energy performance certificate must be commissioned in advance of the property being put on the market. It is not as aspect of the sale process that conveyancers normally organise. If you are using a Burnham conveyancing solicitor they might help arrange energy assessments given their contacts with long established local energy assessors

When it comes to mortgage companies such as , do Burnham incur a fee to be on the list of approved solicitors?

We are unaware of any lender fees to be on their list of approved firms, although some do levy an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel submission.

We expect to receive a DIP from this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do recommend any Burnham solicitors on the conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

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

Should my lawyer be raising questions concerning flooding during the conveyancing in Burnham.

Flooding is a growing risk for conveyancers dealing with homes in Burnham. There are those who purchase a property in Burnham, fully expectant that at some time, it may suffer from flooding. However, aside from the physical damage, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or sell the property. Steps can be carried out during the course of a property purchase to forewarn the buyer.

Lawyers are not best placed to impart advice on flood risk, however there are a various searches that can be initiated by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better understanding of the risks in Burnham. The standard information supplied to a purchaser’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a standard question of the vendor to determine if the premises has ever been flooded. In the event that the premises has been flooded in past and is not revealed by the vendor, then a buyer may commence a claim for damages resulting from an incorrect answer. The purchaser’s conveyancers will also commission an environmental search. This will indicate if there is any known flood risk. If so, further inquiries should be conducted.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that seems to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just discovered that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Burnham. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be appointed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Burnham ?

The majority of houses in Burnham are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Burnham so you should seriously consider looking for a Burnham conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your conveyancer will advise you fully on all the issues.