We are about to complete buying a house in Clapham but as a consequence of wreckage from some water damage at the property I have was able negotiate compensation from the current proprietors in the sum of £3k in the form of a deduction in the price. This was going to be addressed as part of a side agreement yet TSB will not agree to this. Why were they involved?

Any conveyancing practitioner that is on a TSB approved list is required to advise TSB of any amendments to the sale price. If you prohibit your solicitor to notify the price change to TSB then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, TSB and you would have to appoint a new conveyancing practitioner for your conveyancing in Clapham.

We are expecting a mortgage offer soon. The lender mentioned the mortgage came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to appoint their panel lawyer as I would prefer to instruct a local conveyancing solicitor in Clapham?

You should check but the chances are that appoint one of their panel conveyancers should you accept the "fee-free" offer. Contact the lender and see if they make available a cash alternative. In the past a few lenders offered a £250 cashback as a further option in which case that money can go towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in Clapham.

What will a local search inform me regarding the property we're purchasing in Clapham?

Clapham conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company for example Onsearch The local search plays an important role in most Clapham conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any nasty surprises after you move into your new home. The search will reveal data on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable 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 thirteen topic headings.

My wife and I own a 4 bedroom Georgian house in Clapham. Conveyancing lawyer acted for me and Barnsley Building Society. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are a couple of entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold under the exact same property. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?

You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Clapham and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also enquire as to the position with your conveyancing lawyer who conducted the purchase.

What is the distinction between surveying and conveyancing in Clapham?

Conveyancing - in Clapham or elsewhere - is the process of legally transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It involves the investigation of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re purchasing and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you leverage for negotiating the purchase price down or asking the vendor to remedy the defects prior to you complete your move.