I am purchasing a property for cash in Shepperton. I have resided for the previous 20 years in Shepperton. Conveyancing searches are expensive. As I have knowledge of the road and vicinity very well should I not bother getting the solicitor to do all the conveyancing searches?

If you not getting a mortgage, then all but one or two of the Shepperton conveyancing searches are at your discretion. Your lawyer will try and steer you, no-doubt strongly, that you should have searches carried out, but she is duty bound to take that path of encouragement . One thing to consider; if you are likely to sell the house one day, it could be of importance to your future purchaser what the searches disclose. There are plenty of instances where houses with functional issues can still reveal adverse search results. A good conveyancing solicitor in Shepperton will provide you some practical advice concerning this.

My stepmother informed me that in buying a property in Shepperton there may be a number of restrictions limiting what one can do in terms of external alterations to the property. Is this right?

We are aware of a number of properties in Shepperton which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Shepperton should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

When it comes to lenders such as Santander, do Shepperton lawyers incur a yearly amount to be on the conveyancing panel?

We are not aware of any mortgage company fees to register on their list of approved firms, although some do charge an administration fee to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Shepperton off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Clydesdale. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have 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 Clydesdale, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel.

Me and my brother have a semi-detached Georgian property in Shepperton. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and The Royal Bank of Scotland. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold with the exact same address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Shepperton and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the position with the conveyancing practitioner who conducted the work.

About to purchase a new build flat in Shepperton. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Shepperton

Please supply a car parking plan. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore.

I was recommended by numerous property agents in Shepperton to get a quote from a solicitor on your site. What’s the financial advantage for Estate Agents to market your services rather than a competitor’s?

We don’t give any referral fee for pointing buyers and sellers in our direction. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission as members of the public would think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.