I am getting a mortgage offer from Halifax. I would like to use a Licensed Conveyancer in Hatfield. Does the Halifax Conveyancing panel exclude conveyancers regulated by the CLC?

The Halifax approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, represented by the Council or Mortgage Lenders or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

My wife and I own a renovated Victorian property in Hatfield. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and . I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be 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 Hatfield and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who carried out the work.

How does conveyancing in Hatfield differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build premises in Hatfield come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because developers in Hatfield tend to buy the real estate, 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 Hatfield or who has acted in the same development.

Over the last few months I have been searching for a flat up to £245,000 and identified one round the corner in Hatfield I like with open areas and transport links nearby, however it only has 52 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Hatfield for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a lease with such few years left?

If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will likely be problematic. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you can ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

My wife and I have selected a Hatfield conveyancing solicitor for our home move (FTB’s) and have noticed in the Ts and Cs that they are not overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority. Need I be worried or is that the norm with ?

We can't see why they should be. Most don't lend money. You should check that they are regulated by the SRA, who set strict conditions in place on funds deposited in their bank.