Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Browns Green. My lender is Virgin

Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 30/1/2025, the requirements read as follows :

Various web forums that I have come across warn that are the main cause of obstruction in Browns Green conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published findings of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature within the most frequent causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are unlikely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Browns Green.

It has been four months following my purchase conveyancing in Browns Green took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £150,000 when infact I paid £180,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the premises from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

I am buying a new build house in Browns Green with a mortgage from Aldermore. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated 6k of extras instead. The sale representative advised me not reveal to my solicitor about the extras as it could adversely affect my loan with the bank. Is this normal?.

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.

Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in Browns Green from the perspective of saving time on the sale process?

• Much of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in Browns Green can be reduced if you instruct lawyers the minute you market your property and ask them to put together the leasehold documentation needed by the purchasers’ solicitors.
A minority of Browns Green leases require Licence to Assign from the landlord. If this applies to your lease, you should notify your estate agents to make sure that the purchasers put in hand bank and professional references. The bank reference should make it clear that the buyer is able to meet the yearly service charge and the actual amount of the service charge should be quoted in the bank’s letter. You will therefore need to provide your estate agents with the actual amount of the service charge so that they can pass this information on to the buyers or their lawyers. If you have carried out any alterations to the residence would they have required Landlord’s approval? Have you, for example laid down wooden flooring? Browns Green leases often stipulate that internal structural alterations or installing wooden flooring require a licence issued by the Landlord consenting to such changes. If you fail to have the paperwork to hand do not communicate with the landlord without contacting your lawyer in advance. The majority of landlords or managing agents in Browns Green levy fees for providing management packs for a leasehold property. You or your lawyers should discover the fee that they propose to charge. The management pack sought as soon as you have a buyer, thus reducing delays. The typical amount of time it takes to receive management information is three weeks. It is the most frequent reason for delay in leasehold conveyancing in Browns Green.

Leasehold Conveyancing in Browns Green - A selection of Queries before Purchasing

Does the lease include onerous restrictions? How is the lease structured?