I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Acton. My lender is Chelsea Building Society
Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 6/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :
Will our solicitor be making enquiries about flooding during the conveyancing in Acton.
The risk of flooding is if increasing concern for conveyancers dealing with homes in Acton. Some people will acquire a house in Acton, fully aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical destruction, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, satisfactory insurance cover, or dispose of the premises. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.
Solicitors are not qualified to impart advice on flood risk, but there are a number of checks that may be initiated by the purchaser or by their conveyancers which will figure out the risks in Acton. The standard property information forms supplied to a buyer’s solicitor (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a standard question of the seller to find out if the premises has suffered from flooding. If flooding has previously occurred and is not notified by the vendor, then a purchaser may commence a claim for damages as a result of such an misleading reply. A purchaser’s lawyers may also carry out an enviro search. This should disclose if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, further inquiries should be initiated.
I'm purchasing a new build house in Acton with the aid of help to buy. The developers would not move on the price so I negotiated £7000 of extras instead. The sale representative advised me not reveal to my conveyancer about the extras as it may affect my loan with the bank. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer 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.
I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Acton in advance of appointing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. My surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will not issue a mortgage on a flying freehold house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different instructions from Nationwide. If you contact us we can check via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Acton. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
My business partner and I are intending to lease a unit on a shopping parade. Can you recommend lawyers offering no-move-no costs for non-domestic conveyancing in Acton for under 1500k?
We are happy to recommend firms who have an in-depth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Acton, including the sale and purchase of businesses as well as simply property. If you are intending to acquire or lease a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail premises or a whole business we can put you in touch with the right lawyer. Regarding the costs these will vary based on the structure and heads of terms of the deal. Please provide us with your details or call so as to enable us to furnish you with comprehensive commercial conveyancing quote.
I am in the process of buying my first property in Acton. Conveyancing solicitor has been instructed. The mortgage adviser suggested that a survey is not appropriate as the house is only fifteen years old.
At the very least you should have a Home Buyer's Report. Given the residence was built more than a decade ago the property will not come with a warranty, so you would be well advised not to take a risk. For a property that age with no signs of defects a Home Buyer's report may suffice. They will highlight any apparent issues and suggest additional investigation if appropriate. Where there are any signs of problems get a full Building Survey from the beginning.