We are about to sign contracts for a leasehold flat in Markfield. We have hit a problem. The mortgage offer with expires on but the vendors are suggesting a completion date of . Can one prolong the loan offer?

The person best placed to deal with your question is your solicitors who is in a position to calculate if they corresponding with the lender, owner’s representatives, property agents or indeed all three given what has happend in your house move to date.

My partner and I are selling our property in Markfield and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. Any high street Markfield lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used an internet conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Markfield. We have lived in Markfield for 5 years we know of no issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to obtain clarification that there is no issue.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing lawyer currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must enquire of 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 illness)

I have been on the look out for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and found one round the corner in Markfield I like with open areas and station nearby, however it's only got 52 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Markfield suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a short lease?

Should you need a home loan that many years will be problematic. Discount the price by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the property for at least 2 years you may request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.

My step-father has urged me to use his conveyancing solicitors in Markfield. Should I find my own solicitor?

There are no two ways about it it’s preferable to choose a conveyancing practitioner is to get guidance from friends or relatives who have used the solicitor you're considering.

How do I find out who owns a house in Markfield?

As long as the premises is registered with HM Land Registry, and you have enough information of the address of the property, you should be able to obtain details from the HMLR of the recorded proprietor for a for less than a fiver.