Last month we completed a house move in Tulse Hill. We have noticed several problems with the house which we believe were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? Can you clarify the nature of searches that needed to have been carried out as part of conveyancing in Tulse Hill?

The query is vague as what problems have arisen and if they are unique to conveyancing in Tulse Hill. Conveyancing searches and due diligence initiated during the buying process are supposed to help avoid problems. As part of the legal transfer of property, a seller fills in a questionnaire referred to as a SPIF. If the information provided is inaccurate, you could possibly take legal action 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 Tulse Hill.

I have todaybeen informed that Arc property Solicitors have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Tulse Hill for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I establish that my home is in my name in the name of the previous owner?

The quickest way to check if the property is registered to you, you can make 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 Tulse Hill conveyancing specialists.

i am purchasing a new build house in Tulse Hill benefiting from help to buy. The builders would not reduce the price so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The estate agent suggested that I not disclose to my lawyer about this side-deal as it will impact my mortgage with the bank. Is this normal?.

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.