I require conveyancing for a flat in a fairly new development (seven years built) in Congleton. Almost all the appartments have already been occupied. Do I need carry out the neighbourhood searches for my conveyancing in Congleton?

You would be putting yourself at risk in failing carrying out Congleton conveyancing searches. Without searches you have no clarity over flooding, environmental etc which may mean you walk away due to potential problems down the line. If you are buying without a mortgage there is no legal necessity to have them, but we would absolutely advise in no uncertain terms that you have them. If speed and driving down costs are primary issues you should consider with your solicitor about the options such as lack of search insurance available to you

I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Congleton. My lender is Virgin

Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 20/2/2025, the requirements read as follows :

Will our lawyer be raising questions about flooding during the conveyancing in Congleton.

Flooding is a growing risk for lawyers dealing with homes in Congleton. There are those who acquire a house in Congleton, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical damage, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or sell the property. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the purchaser.

Lawyers are not qualified to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a various checks that can be initiated by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which can give them a better appreciation of the risks in Congleton. The standard completed inquiry forms supplied to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a usual inquiry of the vendor to discover whether the property has historically flooded. In the event that flooding has previously occurred which is not disclosed by the owner, then a buyer could bring a compensation claim as a result of such an misleading response. The buyer’s lawyers will also conduct an environmental search. This should higlight whether there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations should be conducted.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Congleton. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Congleton

Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?

What tools are available to search for a Congleton solicitor on the Barnsley Building Society conveyancing panel? I drive a motor bike and am prepared to travel upto 20miles to meet the conveyancer.

You can use the tool on this website. Please choose the mortgage company and your location and you will see a number of Congleton conveyancing lawyers locally. We have detailed some Congleton conveyancing firms towards the end of this page and you can ring them to see whether they are on the Barnsley Building Society member panel