I am need of leasehold conveyancing for a flat in a fairly new development (five years built) in Golders Green. 95% of the appartments are already occupied. Do I need carry out the local searches for my conveyancing in Golders Green?

You would be putting yourself at risk in refusing to carrying out Golders Green conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal requirement to have them, but we would absolutely advise in the strongest possible terms that your solicitor conducts them. Where speed and cost are top of your issues you should consider with your solicitor about the option of search insurance

We note that you have a post code search directory listing firms on the TSB conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I retain them for our own conveyancing in Golders Green?

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

How does conveyancing in Golders Green differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Golders Green contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because house builders in Golders Green typically acquire the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Golders Green or who has acted in the same development.

I am looking for a flat up to £235,500 and identified one near me in Golders Green I like with open areas and transport links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 61 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Golders Green suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

Should you need a home loan that many years will likely be an issue. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you could ask them to start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

I have chosen a Golders Green conveyancing solicitor for our home move (novice purchasers) and have picked up in the engagement letter that they are not governed by the FCA. Am I right to be worried or is that standard with property lawyer?

We can't see why they should be. Most conveyancer don't lend money. They will be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, who set stringent obligations in place on amounts held on client account.