Me and my brother own a terraced Georgian property in Bridgwater. Conveyancing solicitor acted for me and Barclays Direct. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the matching address. Is it worth asking Barclays Direct to clarify?
You should assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Bridgwater and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with mortgage companies. You can also question the situation with your conveyancing solicitor who carried out the work.
How does conveyancing in Bridgwater differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Bridgwater contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in Bridgwater typically acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Bridgwater or who has acted in the same development.
I opted to have a survey done on a house in Bridgwater ahead of instructing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. My surveyor advised that some lenders tend refuse to grant a mortgage on such a home.
It varies from the lender to lender. Bank of Scotland has different instructions for example to Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Bridgwater. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
What does commercial conveyancing in Bridgwater cover?
Non domestic conveyancing in Bridgwater incorporates a broad array of services, given by qualified solicitors, relating to business property. By way of example, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the assignment 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 mortgages and the termination of leases.
My husband and I are new on the property ladder - had an offer accepted, but the estate agent advised that the seller will only move forward if we appoint their recommended conveyancers as they need an ‘expedited deal’. Our preferred option is to instruct a local conveyancer accustomed to conveyancing in Bridgwater
We suspect that the owner is not behind this ultimatum. Should the seller require ‘a quick sale', turning down a motivated buyer is likely to cause more damage than good. Speak to the owners direct and make the point that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are ready to progress, with finances arranged © you are chain free (d) you intend to proceed fast (e)but you will continue to instruct your preferred Bridgwater conveyancing firm - as opposed tothose that will give the estate agent a referral fee or hit his conveyancing figures demanded by head office.
My husband and I recently discovered that one of the directors of the solicitors handling the purchase conveyancing in Bridgwater is related to the seller. Is this allowed?
Provided there is no conflict of interest this is permitted. If you are obtaining a mortgage then the mortgage company may have a say as many banks have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Royal Bank of Scotland as of 11/3/2026, the requirements read as follows :