The vendors of the property we are purchasing have appointed a conveyancing firm in Watchet who has insisted on a preliminary agreement with a payment of 5k. Are such arrangements appropriate for Watchet conveyancing transactions?
Exclusivity contracts are agreements between a home seller and purchaser granting the buyer a ‘clear field’ to the sale of the premises for a set period of time. For all intents and purposes, an exclusivity is a document specifying that you should be issued with a contract at a later date which is the main conveyancing contract. It tends to be utilised for buyer confidence though in some cases, the proprietor may stand to benefit from such agreements as well. There are numerous positives and negatives to having them but you need to check with your conveyancer but beware that it may result in incurring extra in conveyancing charges. In light of these reasons these contracts are rare when it comes to conveyancing in Watchet.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Watchet. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 19/10/2026, the requirements read as follows :
The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Watchet. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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.
Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Watchet
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If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.
Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and found one near me in Watchet I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 51 years on the lease. There is not much else in Watchet for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a lease with such few years left?
If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term may be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer about this.
Am I right to be wary by third parties that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an internet conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Watchet conveyancing company?
As is the case with many service providers, often recommendations from relatives can be extremely useful or valuable. Nevertheless there are lots of players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, mortgage brokers and banks may suggest solicitors to retain. Sometimes these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but sometimes there might be a financial incentive behind the recommendation. You are free to appoint your preferred lawyer. You need to be aware that many lenders have an approved list of lawyers you must use for the mortgage aspect of your conveyancing.
My step-father has suggested that I use his conveyancers in Watchet. Should I find my own conveyancer?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Watchet conveyancing lawyer the best way to choose a conveyancing lawyer is to seek feedback from friends or family who have previously instructed the solicitor that you are considering.