Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to have a meeting at the offices of the solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in East Sussex so that I can attend their offices if necessary.

Whereas this was necessary ten years ago, most lenders no longer require their conveyancing panel solicitor to witness the borrowers signature. It will still be necessary for you to provide identification documents and there are still manifest benefits to instructing a locally based practitioner, in your case a conveyancing solicitor in East Sussex.

I am downsizing from our house in East Sussex and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built on contaminated land. A local lawyer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed a factory type conveyancing practice rather than a conveyancing solicitor in East Sussex. We have lived in East Sussex for six years we know that this is a non issue. Do we contact our local Authority to get clarification that the buyers are looking for.

It sounds as though you may have a conveyancing solicitor currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You should 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 life insurance to cover that same illness)

Just acquired a detached house in East Sussex , how long will it take for the Land Registry to deal with the formalities evidencing the transfer to my name? My East Sussex conveyancing solicitor works at snail pace, so I want to be certain that my purchase is recorded.

There is nothing unique when it comes to conveyancing in East Sussex registration formalities. Rather than based on location, timeframes can adjust subject to who lodges the application, whether it is in order and if the Land registry must send notices to any interested persons or bodies. At present roughly three quarters of submission are completed in less than three weeks but occasionally there can be protracted hold-ups. Historically registration occurs once the buyer is living at the premises therefore an expedited registration is not typically top priority but if it is urgent that the the registration takes place urgently then you or your lawyers should communicate with the Registry to express the reasoning for an expedited registration.

In my capacity as executor for the estate of my grandmother I am selling a property in Neath but live in East Sussex. My lawyer (who is 260 miles from meneeds me to execute a statutory declaration before completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing lawyer in East Sussex who can witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you should not need to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally or notary public or solicitor will do regardless of whether they are East Sussex based

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a East Sussex conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a East Sussex conveyancing practice) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you speak with two or three firms including non East Sussex conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be helpful:

How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation? What are the charges for lease extension work?

East Sussex Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Queries before Purchasing

Can you tell me if there are any major works in the near future that will increase the service costs? How many years are left on the lease? You will want to find out as much as possible regarding the managing agents as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you will be in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to every day matters such as the cleanliness of the communal areas. Ask prospective neighbours what they think of their service. On a final note, be sure you know the dates that you are obliged pay the maintenance charge to the managing agents and precisely what it includes.