The Eastbourne conveyancing firm handling our Eastbourne conveyancing has spotted an inconsistency when comparing the assumptions in the valuation survey and what is revealed within the conveyancing documents. My lawyer says that he is obliged to ensure that the bank is OK with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my conveyancer’s stance correct?

Your conveyancing practitioner must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.

We see that you have a post code search directory identifying firms on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I retain them for our conveyancing in Eastbourne?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Eastbourne.

Is it necessary during the course of the conveyancing process to visit the offices of the solicitor to sign the mortgage deed? If so, I will appoint a lawyer who conducts conveyancing in Eastbourne so that I can pop in to their offices if necessary.

As opposed to 15 years ago, most banks no longer need their conveyancing panel solicitor to witness the mortgagors signature. You will still be obliged to hand over identification documents and there are still manifest benefits to choosing a locally based solicitor, in your case a conveyancing solicitor in Eastbourne.

How does conveyancing in Eastbourne differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Eastbourne contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is completed. This is because developers in Eastbourne typically purchase the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Eastbourne or who has acted in the same development.

I dont have enough spare money to pay a 10% deposit on my flat purchase in Eastbourne , but I am keen go ahead. Do I have options?

You can agree a lesser deposit. Many sellers will agree to a smaller deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last moment