We are purchasing a property in Putney. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a solicitor? At some point we will need to put money into their account. What protection do we have from them run away with our money?

Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.

My aunt advised me that in buying a property in Putney there could be a number of restrictions limiting what one can do in terms of external changes to a property. Is this right?

We are aware of anumerous of properties in Putney which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to carry out external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Putney should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.

We expect to receive a DIP from Leeds Building Society this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Leeds Building Society recommend any Putney solicitors on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?

You will need to appoint Putney solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Leeds Building Society through the process.

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build flat in Putney. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Putney

Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. 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. Will control of the Management Company (if any) be handed over to purchasers on completion of the last sale or earlier? If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £245,000 and identified one close by in Putney I like with open areas and transport links in the vicinity, however it only has 49 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Putney in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a short lease?

If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term may be an issue. Discount the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of 2 years you could request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this.

Is it possible to change conveyancer as I have to choose one who is on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing list. I hired a high street conveyancing solicitor in Putney five minutes from me but he is not approved by Leeds Building Society

It would be our pleasure to assist you find a conveyancing solicitor in Putney on the Leeds Building Society panel. Please note that the property lawyers that we work with do not pay us fee if you instruct them and are registered with the SRA who oversee all conveyancing solicitors in Putney. In utilising the find a conveyancing solicitor tool on this website, you can scrutinise costs for conveyancing solicitors in Putney and throughout England and Wales.

I am hoping to acquire a repossessed flat in Putney and the mortgagee in possession would like to complete inside 28 days. Do conveyancing practitioners meet that timeframe? Would it be better to use a high street Putney firm or an online firm that professes to offer speedy conveyancing?

Attend your Putney high street. Go in to a couple of solicitor’s offices and request to see a conveyancing solicitor for an estimate. Discuss your requirements and get a commitment on deadlines. Appoint the firm that appears most efficient. Make sure to select a conveyancer on the list of conveyancers who can act for your lender.