Some advice if I may. My Holsworthy solicitor is assuring me that she is duty bound toorder Holsworthy conveyancing searches asthe firm are on the Virgin Moneyconveyancing panel. Is this really necessary?

Unfortunately both you and your lawyer have little choice here. Given that you are taking out a loan with a lender your lawyer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your lawyer would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your lender’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to comply with the CML Handbook specifications . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Holsworthy conveyancing searches.

I am purchasing my first flat in Holsworthy with the aid of help to buy. The builders refused to budge the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of extras instead. The house builders rep advised me not inform my conveyancer about the side-deal as it may affect my mortgage with the bank. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder 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.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a simple, chain free conveyancing. Holsworthy is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Holsworthy are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Holsworthy you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Holsworthy may determine 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 residence.

In my capacity as executor for the will of my uncle I am disposing of a house in Swansea but live in Holsworthy. My lawyer (based 300 miles awayneeds me to execute a statutory declaration before completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing lawyer in Holsworthy who can witness and place their company stamp on the document?

Technically speaking you should not be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily any notary public or qualified solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are located in Holsworthy

I am contemplating choosing a web based solicitor rather than a Holsworthy conveyancing practice. Should I ‘stay local’?

Advantages do exist in having the option pop in to a local Holsworthy conveyancing solicitor such as

• signing documents same day
• sometimes being able to see someone face-to-face can make a significant difference, particularly for more complex transactions
• the ability to complain if things go pear-shaped

When comparing quotes, look out for hidden extras. Most decent Holsworthy high street solicitors give an all-inclusive figure. Often online companies seem to offer cheap fees, yet have burried 'extras' in the small print.