I have given 8 weeks notice to my current landlord and must vacate my let out flat in Highgate by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase has just started. Can I complete in 5 weeks as don't want to have to move into temporary accommodation?

It is unwise to serve notice on a rental unless your lawyer suggests that you should. If you have not previously done so, update to your lawyer and request that they apply pressure on the sellers lawyers, try to get a realistic time scale from them that all parties will aim towards

I am buying a property and the solicitor has raised the issue of Chancel Repair to which the house could be liable as it falls into the area of such a church. She has recommended insurance. Is this really required for conveyancing in Highgate

Unless a previous acquisition of the property took place after 12 October 2013 you may take it that lawyers handling conveyancing in Highgate to remain recommending a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I'm buying my first flat in Highgate with the aid of help to buy. The sellers refused to budge the amount so I negotiated 6k of extras instead. The property agent suggested that I not reveal to my lawyer about the side-deal as it will jeopardize my loan with the bank. 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.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £235,500 and found one near me in Highgate I like with a park and station nearby, however it's only got 61 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Highgate for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

Should you need a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be problematic. Discount the price by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor about this.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for purchase conveyancing in Highgate. I have chance upon a web site which seems to have the perfect solution If it is possible to get all the legals done via email that would be ideal. Do I need to be wary? What are the potential pitfalls?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?