We previously appointed conveyancing lawyers locally in Rochester on the Co-operative solicitor approved list. They have just billed me a further charge for handling the Co-operative mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee set by Co-operative?

As unfair as it may appear, as long as it’s in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your conveyancing practitioner may levy a fee for this. The fee is not set by Co-operative but by your Rochester conveyancing practitioner. Plenty of firms on the Co-operative panel will quote ’dealing with mortgage’ fee but many practices incorporate it on their overall fee.

We expect to receive a OIP from Aldermore 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 Aldermore recommend any Rochester solicitors on the Aldermore conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?

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

Barclays have agreed my mortgage in principle, my bid on a house in Rochester has been accepted, what happens next?

The property agent will wish to know who your solicitors are (ensure that the lawyers are on the bank’s approved list). Telephone Barclays or the broker and finish off any outstanding paperwork. Barclays will appoint a valuer who will get in contact with the selling agent or seller to book a slot for the valuation to occur. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes approximately a week for the mortgage offer to be issued. Barclays will issue the offer to you and your conveyancers. The legal work will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Rochester.

What can a local search reveal concerning the property my wife and I buying in Rochester?

Rochester conveyancing often starts with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for example Onsearch The local search is essential in every Rochester conveyancing purchase; as long as you wish to avoid any nasty once you have moved into your property. The search will provide information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of thirteen topic areas.

I have todaybecome aware that Action Conveyancing have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Rochester for a purchase of a freehold house 12 months ago. How can I establish that the property is in my name in the name of the previous owner?

The quickest way to check if the property is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Rochester conveyancing specialists.

I'm buying my first flat in Rochester with a mortgage from Barclays Direct. The developers refused to reduce the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of additionals instead. The sale representative advised me not disclose to my conveyancer about this deal as it will adversely affect my loan with Barclays Direct. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder 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.

Been searching for a solicitor for freehold sale conveyancing in Rochester. I'm selling, simple no mortgage to pay off, no hurry, currently vacant. Had a quote from a conveyancing practitioner for a thousand pounds plus VAT which is a little steep given that its so straightforward. Can I pay less for conveyancing in Rochester?

Considering it’s a sale only, £450 + VAT is likely to be about the best for sale conveyancing in Rochester.