It is 10 years ago since I bought my home in Newton Abbot. Conveyancing solicitors have recently been instructed on the sale but I can't find the title deeds. Is this a problem?

You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be kept by your mortgage company or they could stored with the conveyancers who handled the purchase. Secondly in most cases the title will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers obtaining current official copies of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Newton Abbot involves registered property but in the rare situation where your property is not registered it adds to the complexity but is resolvable.

I had a mortgage agreed in principle with Kent Reliance. Newton Abbot conveyancing lawyers have been appointed. What is the average time that one could expect to receive a mortgage offer from Kent Reliance?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Kent Reliance conducted the survey? Have you informed Kent Reliance as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

I am purchasing a property in Newton Abbot. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. UBS have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

As your lender is UBS your lawyer must follow the formal instructions contained in Section 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for UBS. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and property lawyers are required to report to UBS where a lease fails to comply with these requirements. The specifications relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not restricted to Newton Abbot.

After much negotiation I have agreed a price on an apartment in Newton Abbot. My mortgage broker recommended their conveyancers. I paid an upfront payment of £175. Not long after, the lawyer called me to say that they were not on the Kent Reliance conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?

You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Kent Reliance panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

How does conveyancing in Newton Abbot differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Newton Abbot approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because new home sellers in Newton Abbot typically acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Newton Abbot or who has acted in the same development.

My cousin has recommend that I appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Newton Abbot. Should I use them?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Newton Abbot conveyancing lawyer the ideal way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to get referrals from friends or relatives who have experience in using the solicitor you're contemplating using.

I would be grateful if you would clarify what options are open to me where my Newton Abbot conveyancing searches reveals negative entries?

Normally, almost all concerns arising from Newton Abbot conveyancing search responses can be handled ahead of completion or indemnity insurance could possibly be put in place. You need to note that regardless of the fact that you are purchasing the premises and might be willing to accept the search results, your mortgage lender may not, and ultimately have the final decision.