We are planning to acquire a property and need a conveyancing solicitor in Axminster who is on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a local firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Clydesdale . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Axminster.

We are intent on selling our home in Axminster and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A high street Axminster conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the buyers are using a national conveyancing firm as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Axminster. Having lived in Axminster for six years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to obtain clarification need.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must enquire of 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 health insurance to cover that same sickness)

I'm purchasing a new build house in Axminster with a mortgage from Alliance & Leicester . The developers refused to budge the amount so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep told me not inform my solicitor about the side-deal as it will put at risk my mortgage with the lender. Should I keep quiet?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

I was recommended by a number of property agents in Axminster to choose a conveyancer on your site. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to recommend your services ahead of another?

We refuse to offer any referral fee for sending work to this site. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission because 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.

I cannot visit my Axminster conveyancing practitioners office to sign documents for conveyancing in Axminster – is this a problem?

You need not be concerned. Axminster conveyancing lawyers can deal with home moves for clients nationally. It is not necessary for you to be able to meet your lawyer in the flesh at a Axminster conveyancers office. Almost all solicitor can undertake all communications via phone, post and email - whatever works for you.