We are acquiring a new build duplex in Witney and my lawyer is telling me that she is duty bound to the mortgage company to disclose incentives from the builder. I am under pressure to exchange and I have no desire to prolong deal. Is my lawyer right?
You should not exchange unless you have been advised to do so by your solicitor. A precondition to being on a lender panel is to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. The CML Conveyancing Handbook requires that your lawyer have the appropriate Disclosure of Incentive form completed by the developer and accepted by your lender.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Witney. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 23/7/2026, the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Witney differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Witney come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is completed. This is because new home sellers in Witney usually purchase the land, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Witney or who has acted in the same development.
Do I need to be concerned about estate agents that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use a nationwide conveyancing firm rather than a local Witney conveyancing practice?
As is the case with lots of service providers, often recommendations from family and friends can be most helpful. Yet there are numerous players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders might all suggest conveyancers to instruct. Sometimes these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there is an underlying commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are free to appoint your preferred conveyancer. However, bear in mind that many banks specify a panel list of law firms you are obliged to use for the mortgage related work in your home move.
As co-executor for the will of my uncle I am selling a property in Neath but I am based in Witney. My solicitor (approximately 250 miles awayhas requested that I execute a statutory declaration before completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing practitioner in Witney to attest this legal document for me?
strictly speaking you should not need to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally any notary public or solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are located in Witney
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have just been informed that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are issues buying a house with a leasehold title in Witney. Conveyancing solicitors have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?
The majority of houses in Witney are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local solicitor who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. it is apparent that you are buying in Witney so you should seriously consider shopping around for a Witney conveyancing solicitor and check that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the number of years remaining. Being a lessee you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease will likely included provisions for example requiring the landlord’spermission to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will report to you on the legal implications.
Leasehold Conveyancing in Witney - A selection of Queries Prior to Purchasing
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How much is the maintenance charge and ground rent on the flat? What restrictions exist in the Witney Lease? Many Witney leasehold flats will incur a service charge for maintenance of the block invoiced by the landlord. Should you buy the apartment you will have to pay this liability, normally in instalments accross the year. This may be anything from a couple of hundred pounds to thousands of pounds for blocks with lifts and large common areas. In all probability there will be a rentcharge for you to pay yearly, normally this is not a significant figure, say about £50-£100 but you should to enquire it because sometimes it can be prohibitively expensive.