We previously instructed conveyancing lawyers located in Winchester on the Principality solicitor panel. They are now charging me a separate sum for handling the Principality mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee set by Principality?

Provided it is contained in their Terms of Engagement or estimate then yes your solicitor may charge a fee for this. This fee is not dictated by Principality but by your Winchester solicitor. Plenty of firms on the Principality panel will quote ’dealing with mortgage’ fee but plenty of practices incorporate it on their overall fee.

My partner and I have arranged the release of further funds on our mortgage from Yorkshire BS as we want to conduct improvements to our house in Winchester. Do we need to choose a bricks and mortar Winchester solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?

Yorkshire BS do not ordinarily require a member of their approved list of lawyers to handle such a matter. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Yorkshire BS list.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Winchester off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with TSB. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with TSB, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the TSB conveyancing panel.

I know that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I require chancel insurance when buying a property in Winchester? or I am told that there is a law dating back centuries that could mean that house owners residing in a parish church boundary will be compelled to pay for maintenance to the chancel in proximity to the church. Is this suitable for conveyancing in Winchester?

Unless a prior acquisition of the premises took place after 12 October 2013 you could take it that lawyers delivering conveyancing in Winchester to remain recommending a chancel search and or chancel repair liability policy.

I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Winchester in advance of instructing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may not issue a mortgage on such a house.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Halifax. If you e-mail us we can investigate further with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Winchester. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Winchester especially if they are accustomed to such properties in Winchester.

In sourcing the web for the term on line conveyancing in Winchester it shows results of numerous conveyancerslocally. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right conveyancing solicitor for purchase transaction?

The preferential method of choosing a suitable conveyancer is via personal testimonial, so ask colleagues and those you trust who have acquired a property in Winchester or the local estate agent or mortgage broker. Charges for conveyancing in Winchester vary, so it's advisable to secure at least three costs illustrations from varying types of law firms. Be sure to secure confirmation what costs in the quote includes.

I am purchasing a flat mortgage free. I have provided solicitor with 2 separate evidence of photo identification, bank statement, endless utility bills. Now he requires a copy from a probate lawyer acknowledging that the funds are in order and that it has come from inheritance and not selling fake watches.

In today’s world you will not be able to complete any Winchester conveyancing transaction without first providing evidence of your identity to your lawyers. This usually takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a utility bill. Remember if you are providing your driving licence as evidence of ID it must be both the paper part and photo card part, one is not acceptable without the other. Proof of your source of funds is required under Money Laundering Regulations.