I plan on buying a flat in Hassocks. My Solicitor has never been on on the mortgage company solicitor panel. Is it possible for me to retain my Hassocks conveyancing solicitor even though they are not on the lender approved list?

One must use a conveyancer to complete the formalities if you require a loan to buy your property. The property lawyer will carry out all the essential legal checks on the property, make sure that you’re registered as proprietor and ensure that all the required mortgage paperwork is dealt with. One can appoint a Hassocks lawyer of your choice. However, if the conveyancer selected is not on the lender approved list supplemental costs will arise as separate legal representation will be required by them. Lender panel applications may be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not in the past sought membership they should do so.

My bank has recommended solicitors on their panel based in Hassocks but I would rather use a conveyancing lawyer in Hassocks round the corner to me. Can you assist?

It is by no means the case that all Hassocks conveyancing practices are approved and listed on all banks conveyancing panel. Do make the most of our find an approved solicitor tool to choose a Hassocks conveyancing solicitor on the on the lender panel.

How can we tell if a Hassocks conveyancing solicitor on the Lloyds panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Hassocks obtaining recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always suggest that you speak with the lawyer handling your transaction.

I am expecting a DIP from Co-operative this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Co-operative recommend any Hassocks solicitors on the Co-operative conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

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

I am due to exchange contracts on my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in July 2008, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Aldermore are being difficult. The Hassocks solicitor who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel is saying indemnity insurance will be fine but Aldermore are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Aldermore have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Aldermore have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Aldermore may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Hassocks. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Hassocks

Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, chain free conveyancing. Hassocks is the location of the property. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in Hassocks are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Hassocks you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds very carefully. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Hassocks may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.