We are hoping to acquire a 1 bedroom apartment in Hurstpierpoint with a mortgage. We have a Hurstpierpoint solicitor, but the bank advise he's not on their "panel". It appears that we have no option but to use one of the lender panel conveyancing practices or keep our Hurstpierpoint conveyancer as well as pay for one of their panel firms to represent them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?

Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose 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 Hurstpierpoint conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

Me and my wife are acquiring our first property. The conveyancing practitioner has e-mailedto check if we want to take out supplemental conveyancing searches. We are really unsure what's relevant for conveyancing in Hurstpierpoint

The extent of Hurstpierpoint conveyancing searches depends primarily on the premises, the location, the likelihood of any of these risks, your knowledge of the region and risks, your general approach to risk. What is important is that you properly appreciate what information the searches could give you. You may then make a decision if you personally think you need that search. Should you be in doubt, ask the conveyancing practitioner to offer guidance.

We are selling our house in Hurstpierpoint and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. Any high street Hurstpierpoint conveyancer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers used an online conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Hurstpierpoint. We have lived in Hurstpierpoint for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Do we contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm already. What do they say? You should check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same sickness)

I am buying a new build apartment in Hurstpierpoint. 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 legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Hurstpierpoint

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. 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.

Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to attend the offices of the mortgage company conveyancing panel solicitor to execute the legal charge? If so, I will appoint a lawyer who conducts conveyancing in Hurstpierpoint so that I can attend their offices if necessary.

Most conveyancing panel lawyers for the bank undertake all of the work via the post, internet or over the phone. This means that they can undertake your Conveyancing Transaction no matter where you live in England or Wales. YOu dont have to use a conveyancing solicitor in Hurstpierpoint. However you should check if you can still book an appointment to go into appointed conveyancing lawyer if you prefer.