Last August we completed a house move in Saffron Walden. We have noticed several issues with the property which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? What searches should? have been ordered as part of conveyancing in Saffron Walden?

The query is not clear as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated as part of the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, the vendor answers a document known as a SPIF. If the information is inaccurate, then you may have a claim against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Saffron Walden.

Me and my brother have a semi-detached Georgian house in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing lawyer acted for me and Barclays Direct. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are a couple of entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold with the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Saffron Walden and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also enquire as to the situation with the conveyancing lawyer who completed the work.

I have been sourcing a conveyancing solicitor in Saffron Walden for my remortgage. Is it possible to see a solicitor's complaints history with the profession’s regulator?

Members of the public may see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from investigations from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For details Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may recorded call for training reasons.

I today plan to offer on a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a reasonable price which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Saffron Walden. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been appointed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Saffron Walden are freehold rather than leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Saffron Walden in which case you should be shopping around for a Saffron Walden conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a leaseholder you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’spermission to carry out changes to the property. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is located on an estate. Your lawyer will advise you fully on all the issues.

I inherited a leasehold flat in Saffron Walden, conveyancing was carried out April 2012. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Similar flats in Saffron Walden with a long lease are worth £201,000. The ground rent is £45 invoiced every year. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 2090

With only 65 years remaining on your lease the likely cost is going to range between £13,300 and £15,400 plus professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to provide the actual costs in the absence of comprehensive investigations. Do not use this information in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.

I am due to review quotes for conveyancing in Saffron Walden from three lawyer and choose one. Am I right to get them to sit tight until I a suitable flat to buy.

You should only request your lawyer to commence work and apply for searches after the offer has been agreed to on the property particularly as Saffron Walden conveyancing searches are costly.