I have given 2 months notice to my existing landlord and have to vacate my let out apartment in New Malden by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase has just started. How realistic is it to complete in a couple of weeks as don't want to have to find short term accommodation?

The normal practice is not to give notice for your tenancy unless your lawyer suggests that you should. If you have not already done so, update to your conveyancer and ask them to they seek the assistance the other lawyers, try to an acceptable time-line that all parties will aim to achieve

My grandmother passed away six months ago and as sole heir and executor I was left the property in New Malden. The house had a small mortgage remaining of approximately £4500. I want to have the title changed into my name whilst I re-mortgage to Virgin Money, pay off the mortgage. Is this possible?

Where you plan to refinance then Virgin Money will require that you use a conveyancer on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. Here is link to the Land Registry online guidance around what to do when a property owner dies. This will help you to understand the registration process behind changing the details re the registered title. in your case it would appear that you are effectively purchasing the property from the estate. Your Virgin Money conveyancing panel solicitor pays the new mortgage money into the estate, the estate pays off the old mortgage, the charge is released and you become the owner and the Virgin Money mortgage is registered as a charge at the Land Registry.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in New Malden. Conveyancing is necessary evil at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in New Malden

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

Am I right to be concerned by brokers that I am dealing with are recommending a national conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street New Malden conveyancing firm?

As with many service providers, often input from connections can be very helpful. Nevertheless there are numerous people with a keen interest in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and banks might all recommend lawyers to retain. On occasion the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there might be a commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are at liberty to choose your preferred conveyancer. However, bear in mind that many lenders specify a panel list of solicitors you must use for the lender related work in your transaction.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in New Malden. I have stumble upon a site which appears to be the ideal solution If it is possible to get all formalities completed via email that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

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?