We were just about to exchange contracts for a leasehold flat in Knowle. We encountered a problem. The loan offer with Nottingham Building Society runs out on 11/2/2026 but the sellers are suggesting a completion date of 13/2/2026. Can one prolong the mortgage offer?

The best person to deal with your issue is your solicitors who will hopefully calculate whether they corresponding with the bank, owner’s lawyers, selling agents or conceivably all parties given what has happend in your transaction to date.

I am considering applying for a Leeds Building Society mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Knowle with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Leeds Building Society ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel, but Leeds Building Society would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in last month in what was supposed to be a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Knowle is the location of the property. Can you offer any opinion?

Flying freeholds in Knowle are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Knowle you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Knowle may ascertain 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 premises.

My husband and I are new on the property ladder - agreed a price, but the agent informed us that the owners will only issue a contract if we instruct the agent's recommended solicitors as they are insisting on a ‘quick sale’. Our preferred option is to instruct a high street solicitor with experience of conveyancing in Knowle

We suspect that the owner is unaware of this ultimatum. If they desire ‘a quick sale', taking such a hostile approach to a motivated buyer is not the way to achieve this. Speak to the owners direct and make the point that (a)you are motivated purchasers (b)you are excited to move forward, with mortgage lined up © you are chain free (d) you intend to proceed fast (e)but you are going to instruct your own,trusted Knowle conveyancing firm - as opposed tothe ones that will give their estate agent a commission or achieve conveyancing thresholds demanded by senior management.

How do I find the right lawyer for my conveyancing in Knowle ?

Option 1 is to ask the people you trust who they would recommend. Option 2 is to use a search tool on the web for conveyancing in Knowle. Telephone a couple or more firms from the list and request that they send you their conveyancing quote and speak to the lawyer who will conduct your conveyancing before you make your choice. Third is to make use of our search tool to assist you in finding the right solicitors taking into account your unique factors including location,speed, complexity and who the proposed mortgage company is.Avoid the trap of appointing lowest cost conveyancing solicitors in Knowle