We are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our home in Hurworth and according to the buyers it appears that there is a risk of it being built land that was not decontaminated. A local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers instructed a web based conveyancing firm rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Hurworth. Having lived in Hurworth for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to obtain clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. 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 ailment)

I purchased my home on 11 March and the transaction details is not yet registered. Should I be concerned? My conveyancing solicitor in Hurworth advises it should be dealt with in less than a month. Are transfers in Hurworth particularly slow to register?

There is nothing unique when it comes to conveyancing in Hurworth registration formalities. As opposed to being determined by geographic area, timeframes can vary depending on who lodges the application, whether it is in order and if the Land registry have to notify any 3rd persons or bodies. Currently approximately 80% of submission are fully dealt with in less than three weeks but some can be subject to longer hold-ups. Registration is effected once the buyer is living at the property so an expedited registration is not typically primary concern but where it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your solicitor could contact the land registry and explain the circumstances.

Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Hurworth in advance of instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend not issue a loan on such a house.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Halifax. If you e-mail us we can investigate further via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Hurworth. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

I was advised by a few property agents in Hurworth to choose a property lawyer using your seach tool. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to market your site ahead of alternative conveyancing organisations?

We don’t give any referral fee for directing people in our direction. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

My mortgage broker has suggested using their conveyancer for our conveyancing in Hurworth - Surely it’s better to just use them?

It is not always the case and you are free to instruct whichever conveyancer of your choosing for your Hurworth conveyancing. The conveyancing practitioner recommended by an estate agent may not necessarily be the right solicitor, they may put forward their own conveyancing firm who are based remotely. In this instance you may not have contact with your lawyer and due to the lack of continuity in the transaction, it may be difficult to obtain updates.