We are getting closer to an exchange on a property in Maxton and my mum and dad have sent the ten percent deposit to my solicitor. I am now told that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my conveyancer needs to make a notification to my mortgage company. I am advised that, in also acting for the mortgage company he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I informed the bank regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?

Your property lawyer is legally required to clarify with the bank to make sure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. The solicitor can only report this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

I had a mortgage agreed in principle with Leeds Building Society. Maxton conveyancing practitioners are appointed. How long does it take for Leeds Building Society to forward the offer to the solicitor?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Leeds Building Society conducted the survey? Have you advised Leeds Building Society as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

I am buying a property in Maxton. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Nottingham be concerned?

Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Nottingham your lawyer must follow the conveyancing requirements contained in Part two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Nottingham. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook includes minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and property lawyers are required to report to Nottingham where a lease does not meet these specifications. The conditions relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not limited to Maxton.

Intending to buy a flat in Maxton. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Building Society if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Santander conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.

They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Maxton property lawyer is on the Santander conveyancing panel.

We are purchasing a property and the conveyancer has identified Chancel Repair for which the property could be liable given it’s proximity to the area of such a church. He has suggested insurance. Is this strictly required for conveyancing in Maxton

Unless a previous acquisition of the house took place after 12 October 2013 you may take it that conveyancing practitioners conducting conveyancing in Maxton to continue to suggest a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I am buying a new build house in Maxton with a loan from TSB. The builders refused to move on the price so I negotiated 6k of additionals instead. The house builders rep told me not to tell my conveyancer about the side-deal as it could affect my mortgage with the bank. Should I keep quiet?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer 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 was pointed in your direction by a few property agents in Maxton to get a quote from a property lawyer on your site. Is there a financial inducement for Estate Agents to recommend your services over alternative conveyancing organisations?

We refuse to give any financial incentive for sending work our way. We found it would be just too difficult a fee as home movers will think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.