Our son is in the process of securing a house that has just been built in Northampton with a home loan from Virgin Money. His lawyer has advised him of a delay in receiving the ‘Disclosure of Incentive Form’. What is this document - I have never come across this before?

The form is intended to provide information to the main parties involved in the purchase. Therefore, it will be provided to your son’s lawyer who should be on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel as a standard part of the process, and to the valuer when asked. The developer will be required to start the process by downloading the form and completing it. The form will therefore need to be available for the valuer at the time of his or her site visit. The form should be sent to the Virgin Money conveyancing panel solicitor as early as possible, in order to avoid any last minute delays, and no later than at exchange of contracts.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in two weeks back in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Northampton is where the house is located. What do you suggest?

Flying freeholds in Northampton are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Northampton you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Northampton may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

I am selling my property. My former lawyers closed down. It would be helpful to have a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Northampton if that affects matters.

You should use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Northampton. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs smoothly.

I need to instruct a conveyancing practitioner in Northampton for my home move. Is there any facility to see a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?

Members of the public may read published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from inquisitions started on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes monitor call for training purposes.

At what stage do I incur the Stamp Duty Land Tax due for my house transaction in Northampton?

The majority of property lawyers tend to fill out a stamp duty return on your behalf during your Northampton purchase transaction for you to sign. On completion your conveyancing practitioner will submit the STL application to the Inland Revenue and - as long as they have the funds - pay any tax bill liability for you.