What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Repton? Is this really warranted?

Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering laws require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identity of the person or body they are dealing with prior to agreeing to accepting their conveyancing retainer. The Terms and Conditions that you need to sign should confirm this. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with the CML Lenders Handbook requirements last updated on 1st December 2014. Should you are unwilling to hand over ID verification documents, your conveyancer can not take you on as a client.

I know that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Am I compelled to take this when purchasing a property in Repton? or Apparently there is a law dating back centuries that means some house owners living in a parish church boundary will be compelled to contribute towards maintenance towards the chancel within the church. Is this a legitimate concern for conveyancing in Repton?

Unless a prior purchase of the property took place after 12 October 2013 you could take it that lawyers handling conveyancing in Repton to remain recommending a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

Am I right to be suspicious that estate agents that I am dealing with are recommending a factory type conveyancing firm rather than a local Repton conveyancing practice?

As with many service providers, often suggestions from family and friends can be extremely useful or valuable. Yet there are lots of people with a keen interest in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies might all put forward solicitors to use. Sometimes these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there exists a commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You have the right to select your preferred lawyer. Don't forget that most lenders specify a panel list of law firms you have to use for the mortgage related work in your house move.

My husband and I are first time buyers - agreed a price, but the estate agent has warned us that the seller will only go ahead if we appoint their chosen solicitors as they are insisting on a ‘quick sale’. My instinct tells me that we should use a local solicitor with experience of conveyancing in Repton

It is highly unlikely the vendors are behind this. If they desire ‘a quick sale', turning down a motivated buyer is is going to put the whole deal at risk. Avoid the agents and go straight to the owners and make the point that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances arranged © you have nothing to sell (d) you wish to move quickly (e)however you intend to use your own,trusted Repton conveyancing firm - rather thanthose that will provide the estate agent a commission or meet his conveyancing targets demanded by senior management.

I have miscalculated my finances and am a few thousand pounds short a 10% deposit on my flat purchase in Repton , but I am keen proceed. What can I do?

One option is to try and agree a lesser deposit. Most property owners will accept a lower deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last moment