I am downsizing from our property in Stanwell and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A local lawyer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the buyers used a nationwide conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Stanwell. Having lived in Stanwell for three years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to get in touch with our local Authority to get confirmation 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 should check with 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 ailment)

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified during conveyancing in Stanwell?

Covenants that are restrictive in nature can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Stanwell. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Stanwell before appointing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor advised that some lenders tend not give a mortgage on a flying freehold home.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different instructions from Nationwide. If you call us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Stanwell. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Stanwell especially if they are acquainted with such properties in Stanwell.

We're FTB’s - had an offer accepted, yet the estate agent told us that the owners will only issue a contract if we instruct the agent's recommended lawyers as they need a ‘quick sale’. My instinct tells me that we should use a high street solicitor accustomed to conveyancing in Stanwell

It is unlikely the vendors are driving this. Should the vendor require ‘a quick sale', alienating a genuine buyer is not the way to achieve this. Contact the vendors directly and make the point that (a)you are genuine buyers (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances arranged © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)however you are going to instruct your preferred Stanwell conveyancing lawyers - not the ones that will provide the estate agent a commission or meet his conveyancing figures pre-set by HQ.

Is there a distinction between surveying and conveyancing in Stanwell?

Conveyancing - in Stanwell or anywhere in England and Wales - is the legal term given to transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It therefore includes the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re purchasing and will help you discover the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you a powerful reason for negotiating the buying price down or asking the seller to fix the problems before you complete your move.