I am need of leasehold conveyancing for an apartment in a relatively new development (seven years built) in Nag's Head. Almost all the properties have already been occupied. Do I need carry out the local searches for my conveyancing in Nag's Head?

Where you are obtaining a mortgage, your lender will insist on some (many) of the searches so you'll have no choice. If not, then Nag's Head conveyancing searches are optional. Your solicitor, will 'advise', perhaps strongly, that you should have the searches done, but he or she is duty bound in this regard. One thing to bear in mind; if you are likely to sell the house one day, it may be of interest to your future buyer what the searches contain. Sometimes houses with no practical issues can still throw up adverse search results. But if you choose to instruct your lawyer to proceed without searches then your lawyer will have to follow your instructions or you will need to change to another solicitor for your conveyancing in Nag's Head.

We decided to purchase a newly converted flat in Nag's Head with a homeloan from Chelsea Building Society.We use our Nag's Head conveyancing solicitor but Chelsea Building Society says she’s not on their "panel". we are left little option but to use a Chelsea Building Society panel solicitor or keep our preferred solicitor and fork out for a Chelsea Building Society panel lawyer to represent them. This seems very unfair; Can we not simply insist that Chelsea Building Society use our lawyer?

Unfortunately,no. The mortgage issued to you contains terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers must be on the Chelsea Building Society conveyancing panel. Until recently, most mortgage companies had large numbers of solicitors 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. A further alternative is for your lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Chelsea Building Society

If you had a top tip for selecting a conveyancing solicitor in Nag's Head what would it be?

We would encourage you not to go for the cheapest Nag's Head conveyancing costs illustration. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of time.

I have been advised by my conveyancer that chancel insurance is necessary on my purchase. What is the level of cover for Nag's Head conveyancing?

The right level of chancel indemnity insurance depends on your lender. It would differ for example between Yorkshire Building Society and Chelsea Building Society. Conveyancing practitioners as opposed to members of the public take out such insurances.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Nag's Head. I have a mortgage offer with Leeds Building Society. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Leeds Building Society, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel.

I am using a search engine for the words on line conveyancing in Nag's Head it brings up many property lawyersin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable conveyancing solicitor for me?

The ideal method of choosing a suitable conveyancer is via trusted recommendation, so ask colleagues and family who have purchased a property in Nag's Head or the respected estate agent or mortgage broker. Costs for conveyancing in Nag's Head differ, so it's advisable to request a minimum of three quotes from different conveyancers. Dont forget to clarify what costs in the quote includes.

We are about to exchange buying a property in Nag's Head but as a result of damage from the recent storms I have agreed compensation from the vendor of four thousand pounds by way of a adjustment in the price. I had intended this to be dealt with as part of the conveyancing process yet the mortgage company will not permit this. Why were they approached?

Your conveyancer listed on the lender approved list is duty bound to advise the mortgage company of any variations to the purchase price. In the event that you prohibit your solicitor to report the price change to your mortgage company then they would have no choice but to disinstructing themselves from acting for you and the mortgage company.