Recently contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Kingsbridge who completed the legal work two years ago requesting a conveyancing estimate based on an identical type of home move (a leasehold property and a freehold premises) of similar values with a home loan from Bank of Scotland. It looks as though am now being charged double. Am I right to be tempted to shop around for a cheaper internet firm of conveyancing solicitor?
The estimate does seem a little on the high side. Where you are content to expend time comparing prices you might get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by as much as £125. On the other hand, if you were content with the legal work the firm offered you couldcome to rue choosing an an unknown lawyer. If is important to check the conveyancer can also act for Bank of Scotland. Do utilise our search tool to locate a Kingsbridge conveyancing firm on the Bank of Scotland approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Kingsbridge.
Last July we completed a house move in Kingsbridge. We have since encountered a number of problems with the house which we believe were missed in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? Can you clarify the nature of searches that should have been ordered for conveyancing in Kingsbridge?
It is not clear from the question as to the nature of the problems and if they are specific to conveyancing in Kingsbridge. Conveyancing searches and due diligence undertaken as part of the legal transfer of property are designed to help avoid problems. As part of the process, the vendor answers a form called a SPIF. If the information is misleading, then you may have a claim against the owner for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Kingsbridge.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Kingsbridge. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 9/9/2026, the requirements read as follows :
My wife and I purchased a 4 bedroom Victorian property in Kingsbridge. Conveyancing lawyer acted for me and National Westminster Bank. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and there are two entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the matching property. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?
You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Kingsbridge and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also check the position with the conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.
I am purchasing a new build house in Kingsbridge with a mortgage from Halifax. The sellers refused to move on the amount so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The house builders rep advised me not inform my conveyancer about this deal as it could affect my mortgage with Halifax. 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 am thinking of using a web based conveyancing practitioner as opposed to a Kingsbridge conveyancing firm. Should I ‘stay local’?
Advantages do exist in being able to attend a local Kingsbridge conveyancing solicitor such as
- signing papers on short notice
- often being able to see someone face-to-face can make a significant difference, particularly for more complex house moves
- the ability to raise concerns if matters are not going as expected
When checking estimates, look out for hidden extras. Most decent Kingsbridge high street solicitors give an all-inclusive price. Many online agents seem to offer discounted fees, but have hidden 'extras' in the fine print.