My relative advised me that where I am buying in Machynlleth I should carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?

This is a search is occasionally quoted for as part of the standard Machynlleth conveyancing searches. It is a large report of about 40 pages, listing and detailing significant information about Machynlleth around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Machynlleth Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime details, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data regarding Machynlleth.

I have justbeen informed that Stirling Law have been shut down. They conducted my conveyancing in Machynlleth for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I be sure that the property is not still registered in the name of the previous owner?

The quickest method to see if the premises is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Machynlleth conveyancing specialists.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for remortgage conveyancing in Machynlleth. I happened to discover a site which looks to be the perfect solution If it is possible to get all formalities done via phone that would be preferable. 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?

If all goes to plan we aim to complete the sale of our £275,000 apartment in Machynlleth next Monday. The management company has quoted £300 for Landlord’s certificate, insurance certificate and previous years statements of service charge. Is it legal for a freeholder to charge such fees for a leasehold conveyance in Machynlleth?

Machynlleth conveyancing on leasehold apartments usually involves the purchaser’s lawyer sending enquiries for the landlord to address. Although the landlord is not legally bound to address such questions most will be content to do so. They are at liberty to charge a reasonable charge for answering questions or supplying documentation. There is no set fee. The average fee for the information that you are referring to is over three hundred pounds, in some cases it is in excess of £800. The administration charge invoiced by the landlord must be sent together with a summary of entitlements and obligations in respect of administration charges, without which the charge is not strictly payable. Reality however dictates that you have little choice but to pay whatever is demanded if you want to complete the sale of your home.

I am the registered owner of a leasehold flat in Machynlleth, conveyancing having been completed February 2009. How much will my lease extension cost? Comparable flats in Machynlleth with over 90 years remaining are worth £201,000. The ground rent is £45 charged once a year. The lease comes to an end on 21st October 2088

With just 64 years remaining on your lease we estimate the price of your lease extension to be between £15,200 and £17,600 plus plus your own and the landlord's "reasonable" professional fees.

The suggested premium range above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure without more detailed due diligence. You should not use this information in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first getting professional advice.

How does one as executor remove a departed person's details from the title deeds for a house in Machynlleth?

Where a Machynlleth property is jointly owned and one of the owners passes away, the name will not automatically be removed from the title deeds. It is not necessary to remove their name as when it comes to a disposal your lawyer would just need to supply proof why the joint owner is not a party to the contract, usually this takes the form of a grant of probate.

With a view to making things simpler for the sale of the property you may apply to have the deceased party erased from the title by applying to HM Land Registry with proof of the death. There is no fee from the Registry for this service.