I have given 8 weeks notice to my current landlord and must be out of my let out property in Fernhill Heath by the end of next month. Conveyancing on my purchase is underway. Can I complete in 5 weeks as I wish to avoid having to move into temporary accommodation?

Generally one should not give notice for your letting unless you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not already done so, speak to your lawyer and ask them to they seek the assistance the sellers side, try to a target completion date that all parties will look to achieve

We decided to purchase a newly converted flat in Fernhill Heath with a homeloan from HSBC Bank.We like our Fernhill Heath conveyancing solicitor but HSBC Bank informed us her practice is not listed on their approved list of firms. we are left little option but to use a HSBC Bank panel firm or retain our high street solicitor and pay for a HSBC Bank panel lawyer to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; Can we not simply insist that HSBC Bank use our lawyer?

Unfortunately,no. The loan issued to you contains various provisions, a common one being that lawyers must be on the HSBC Bank conveyancing panel. Until recently, most mortgage companies had large numbers of solicitors on their panels: a borrower could find one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for HSBC Bank

I am purchasing my first flat in Fernhill Heath with the aid of help to buy. The developers would not move on the amount so I negotiated 6k of extras instead. The house builders rep suggested that I not disclose to my solicitor about this deal as it may affect my loan with the bank. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

Taking into account that I will soon part with hundreds of thousands of pounds on a property in Fernhill Heath I wish to have a conversation with the lawyer concerning thehouse move ahead of instructing the firm. Can this be arranged?

This is something that we encourage - it is our preference to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the lawyer due to be conducting your conveyancing in Fernhill Heath.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is an important person, not a case number. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the fees you are provided with for residential conveyancing in Fernhill Heath should be the amount on the final invoice that you are charged.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Fernhill Heath conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Fernhill Heath conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We advise that you talk with several firms including non Fernhill Heath conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be of use:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Fernhill Heath who can give a testimonial? What are the legal fees for lease extension work?

Fernhill Heath Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should consider Prior to buying

This information is helpful as a) areas can cause problems for the building as the common areas may begin to deteriorate if services are not paid for b) if the leaseholders have a dispute with the managing agents you will wish to have complete disclosure Generally speaking the outlay for major works are not included within service charges, albeit that some managing agents in Fernhill Heath ask leasehold owners to contribute towards a sinking fund created for the specific purpose of establishing a fund for larger works. The majority of Fernhill Heath leasehold apartments will be liable to pay a service bill for maintenance of the building levied on behalf of the freeholder. If you purchase the property you will have to meet this liability, normally quarterly throughout the year. This can be anything from two or three hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for bigger purpose-built blocks. In all probability there will be a rentcharge for you to pay yearly, this is usually not a significant amount, say around £50-£100 but you need to enquire as sometimes it can be surprisingly expensive.