We note that you have a post code search directory listing solicitors on the RBS conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I appoint them for our own conveyancing in Cottenham?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the RBS conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Cottenham.

I am purchasing a right to buy a flat in Cottenham. Can I do my own conveyancing?

Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Cottenham you will have to appoint a solicitor on your mortgage company's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Cottenham.

My uncle advised me that in buying a property in Cottenham there could be various restrictions affecting the ability to carry out external changes to the property. Is this right?

There are anumerous of properties in Cottenham which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to external alterations. Part of the conveyancing in Cottenham should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

I am buying a property in Cottenham. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Virgin Money be concerned?

As you are obtaining a mortgage with Virgin Money your lawyer must check the formal requirements set out in Section 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Virgin Money. The CML Handbook sets out minimum conditions for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to Virgin Money where a lease does not satisfy these conditions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Cottenham.

I had an offer accepted on a property in Cottenham on 16/7/2025, valuation was booked 2 days after, all came back fine. Conveyancer appointed, so all that was missing was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Principality and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Principality conveyancing panel. Are Principality entitled to hold back the Mortgage pending the lawyer being on the approved list?

A lender would not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Principality to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Principality conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Cottenham prior to appointing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to give a loan on such a premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Halifax. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Cottenham. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

What are the common defects that you witness in leases for Cottenham properties?

There is nothing unique about leasehold conveyancing in Cottenham. Most leases are unique and legal mistakes in the legal wording can sometimes mean that certain sections are wrong. The following missing provisions could result in a defective lease:

Service charge per centages that don't add up correctly leaving a shortfall

A defective lease can cause issues when trying to sell a property as they can affect a potential buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage. Yorkshire Building Society, Leeds Building Society, and Clydesdale all have express requirements when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is problematic they may refuse to grant the mortgage, forcing the buyer to withdraw.

I bought a leasehold flat in Cottenham, conveyancing formalities finalised in 2005. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Similar flats in Cottenham with an extended lease are worth £265,000. The ground rent is £50 yearly. The lease finishes on 21st October 2101

With just 76 years unexpired the likely cost is going to be between £8,600 and £9,800 as well as plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you the actual costs without more detailed due diligence. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional concerns that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information before seeking the advice of a professional.