We are getting the release of further monies on our mortgage from Leeds Building Society as we want to conduct a loft conversion to our house in Woking. Are we obliged to select a high street Woking solicitor on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?

Leeds Building Society would not normally require a member of their conveyancing panel to handle the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel.

I can not fathom if my lender obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my Woking bank branch on numerous occasions and was advised it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My Woking conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- telephoned to say that they refuse to lend in accordance with their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. Who do I believe?

Your lawyer must comply with the CML Handbook Part 2 conditions for your bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.

I've digested plenty of house buying guides, I note that they all recommend that you should get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Woking solicitor - who is on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?

Coventry BS will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Coventry BS will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. You may wish to consider appointing your own Woking surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.

I have justbeen informed that Stirling Law have been shut down. They conducted my conveyancing in Woking for a purchase of a leasehold flat 12 months ago. How can I check that the property is registered correctly in the name of the previous owner?

The easiest method to see if the premises 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 Woking conveyancing specialists.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Woking. 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 Woking

The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. 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. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Woking in advance of appointing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor has said that some lenders will not grant a mortgage on a flying freehold property.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Nationwide. If you e-mail us we can investigate further via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Woking. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

Been on the hunt for a property lawyer for freehold sale conveyancing in Woking. I'm selling, simple no mortgage to pay off, no rush, currently empty. Got a quote from a lawyer for £800 plus VAT which is a little high given that its so straightforward. Is it possible to find less expensive fees for conveyancing in Woking?

Given that it’s a sale only, £500 + VAT would be about the lowest for sale conveyancing in Woking.