My partner and I have just bought a house in Hathern. We have noticed several issues with the property which we consider were overlooked in the conveyancing searches. What action can we take? What searches should? have been carried out for conveyancing in Hathern?

The question is vague as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Hathern. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken during the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner answers a form known as a Seller’s Property Information Form. If the information provided is incorrect, you could possibly take legal action against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Hathern.

I have an AIP. The lender mentioned the home loan came with free conveyancing. Does this mean I have to instruct their panel lawyer as I would much rather appoint a Hathern based conveyancing firm?

Do check but the the likelihood is that appoint one of their panel conveyancers where you accept the "fee-free" incentive. Call the bank and see if they offer you a monetary alternative. Some mortgage companies have previously offered a £250 cashback as an alternative in which case you could put that amount towards the cost for your conveyancing solicitor in Hathern.

What is your number one tip for finding a conveyancing solicitor in Hathern

It would be unwise to be swayed by the lowest Hathern conveyancing fees. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of the deal.

I am helping my step-mother sell her flat in Hathern. Will the conveyancer order the energy performance certificate or should I organise this?

Following the demise of HIPs, EPC’s was kept a required element of selling a property. An energy assessment needs to be to hand in advance of the property being marketed. This is not as aspect of the sale process that law firms normally arrange. If you are using a Hathern conveyancing lawyer they might be able to arrange energy performance certificates given their contacts with reputable Hathern accredited person

Is there a list of TSB panel solicitors in Hathern on the Building Society Association’s Website?

Unfortunately not yet. There is no such tool on the CML or Building Society Association sites. Very few mortgage companies make their panel listings available online. Where you are seeking to appoint a Hathern solicitor on the TSB please use our tool.

Me and my brother have a terraced Edwardian property in Hathern. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and Aldermore. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold with the matching address. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?

You need to review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Hathern and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also check the position with your conveyancing lawyer who conducted the conveyancing.

I am purchasing my first flat in Hathern with a mortgage from Clydesdale. The sellers would not budge the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The estate agent suggested that I not inform my solicitor about this extras as it could adversely affect my loan with Clydesdale. 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.