The owners have very assertive sellers who has suggested a preliminary contract with a payment 10k. Is it wise to enter into such agreements?

There are a couple of primary downsides with executing a lock out agreement (sometimes referred to as a no-shop agreement) is that it takes away the focus from moving forward with the conveyancing transaction itself, so unless it requires little or no negotiation then it could turn out to be a cause of frustration and delay. It is not strongly advocated amongst Old Oak Common conveyancing practitioners as a result. A further negative is the extent of the remedies available - a jilted buyer should not expect to win an injunctive ruling by a court to bar the seller completing the sale to a third party, so the only remedy open via the contract will be the recovery of wasted costs and, in limited scenarios, the extra payment of damages.

It is 10 years ago since I acquired my home in Old Oak Common. Conveyancing solicitors have recently been instructed on the sale but I am unable to track down my title deeds. Is this a major issue?

You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be with the mortgage company or they could be in the possession of the conveyancers who oversaw your purchase. Secondly in most cases the land will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you are the registered owner by your conveyancing lawyers procuring current official copies of the land registers. Most conveyancing in Old Oak Common relates to registered property but in the unlikely event that your home is not registered it is more of a problem but is resolvable.

My wife and I are purchasing a flat in Old Oak Common. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a solicitor? At some point we will need to put our life savings into their account. What protection do we have from them run away with our money?

Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.

This question may be naive but I am wet behind the ears as a 1st time purchaser of a ground floor flat in Old Oak Common. Do I collect the keys to the house on completion from my conveyancer? If so, I will find a local conveyancing solicitor in Old Oak Common?

There is no need to visit the lawyers office on the day of completion. Your solicitors will transfer the purchase money to the seller's conveyancers, and once they have received this, you will be called to pick up the keys from the selling Agents and move into your new home. This tends to happen between 1 and 3pm.

The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Old Oak Common. Conveyancing was a necessary evil but I would like to complain about the lender. How does one go about formally complaining?

All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out effectively and efficiently. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR who will take matters further.

What does commercial conveyancing in Old Oak Common cover?

Commercial conveyancing in Old Oak Common covers a broad range of services, given by qualified solicitors, relating to business property. By way of example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more usually, the transfer of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of leases.

Why do I have to send my property lawyer with various items of identification ahead of starting my conveyancing in Old Oak Common?

Old Oak Common conveyancers are obliged by the Law Society, SRA, the Land Registry and current Money Laundering legislation to certify that the have checked the identity of their clients. It is also sometimes a requirement of your lender where you are taking a mortgage. Furthermore they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to Land Tax and need to have information such as your full names, national insurance number and date of birth.