I am getting closer to an exchange on a flat in High Wycombe and my parents have sent the exchange deposit to my lawyer. I am now told that as the deposit has been received from someone other than me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my bank. Apparently, in also acting for the lender he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I disclosed to the lender regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?

The conveyancing practitioner is legally required to check with the bank to ensure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only disclose this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

Can you clarify what the consequences are if my solicitor is removed from the Barclays Conveyancing panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in High Wycombe?

The first thing to point out is that, this is very unlikely to happen. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.

It has been three months since my purchase conveyancing in High Wycombe took place. I have checked the Land Registry site which shows that I paid £200,000 when infact I paid £215,000. 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 residence 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.

Can you offer any advice when it comes to finding a High Wycombe conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a solicitor for your lease extension (regardless if they are a High Wycombe conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you speak with two or three firms including non High Wycombe conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be useful:

What are the legal fees for lease extension work? Can they put you in touch with clients in High Wycombe who can give a testimonial?

High Wycombe Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

Does the lease have more than 85 years unexpired? You should want to discover as much as possible about the company managing the building as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the owner of a leasehold property you will be in the clutches of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day matters like the cleanliness of the common parts. Enquire of prospective neighbours what they think of them. Finally, be sure you understand the dates that the maintenance charges are due to the managing agents and precisely how they are spending the funds.

Are you able to explain what options are open to me if my High Wycombe conveyancing searches shows adverse results?

Usually, the majority of concerns that arise in High Wycombe conveyancing search responses can be addressed ahead of completion or indemnity insurance could possibly be obtained. You need to note that regardless of the fact that you intend on purchasing the property and might be willing to live with the search results, your building society or bank may not, and ultimately the decision rests with them.