My wife and I are getting closer to an exchange on a property in Tidworth and my parents have transferred the ten percent deposit to my solicitor. I am now told that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my property lawyer needs to make a notification to my mortgage company. Apparently, in also acting for the bank he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I advised the lender regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really necessary for this now to hold matters up?

The conveyancing practitioner is legally required to clarify with lender to make sure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Tidworth? What am I being asked for?

Tidworth conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property practitioners accross the UK have an obligation under money laundering regulations to check the ID of any client in order to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to produce two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Proof of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering regulations as lawyers are duty bound to check that the money you are using to purchase a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase amount where you are a cash purchaser) has originated from a reputable source (such as employment savings) rather than the product of illegitimate behaviour.

Do I need to pay for insurance to cover chancel repairs when purchasing a residence in Tidworth?

Unless a prior purchase of the property took place post 12 October 2013 you can expect conveyancing practitioners delivering conveyancing in Tidworth to remain recommending a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I am looking for a flat up to £245,000 and found one round the corner in Tidworth I like with amenity areas and station nearby, the downside is that it only has 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Tidworth in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?

If you need a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be problematic. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this matter.

I need to instruct a conveyancing practitioner in Tidworth for my remortgage. Is it possible to check a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?

Anyone can read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions started on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes monitor call for training requirements.