My partner and I are acquiring a newly built flat in Debenham and my solicitor is advising me that she is duty bound to the bank to disclose incentives from the builder. The Estate Agents are hassling me to sign contracts and I don't want to prolong deal. Is my lawyer right?

You should not exchange unless you have been advised to do so by your . A precondition to being on a mortgage company 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.

In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Debenham? What am I being asked for?

Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering regulations require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to check the identification documents of the potential client they are dealing with prior to agreeing to accepting their conveyancing retainer. The Client Care letter that you are required to sign will no doubt stipulate this. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with the CML Lenders Handbook requirements last updated on 1st December 2014. Should you refuse to provide ID verification documents, your lawyer can not take you on as a client.

I am purchasing a new build house in Debenham with a mortgage from . The sellers refused to reduce the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of fixtures and fittings instead. The sale representative suggested that I not to tell my solicitor about this side-deal as it will put at risk my loan with . 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.

As co-executor for the estate of my grandmother I am disposing of a residence in Cardiff but reside in Debenham. My solicitor (who is 300 kilometers awayrequires that I sign a stat dec prior to the transaction finalising. Can you recommend a conveyancing practitioner in Debenham to witness this legal document for me?

strictly speaking you should not be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally or notary public or qualified solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are based in Debenham

I bought a studio flat in Debenham, conveyancing formalities finalised half a dozen years ago. Can you please calculate a probable premium for a statutory lease extension? Corresponding flats in Debenham with over 90 years remaining are worth £165,000. The ground rent is £45 per annum. The lease runs out on 21st October 50

With just 50 years unexpired the likely cost is going to be between £36,100 and £41,800 as well as costs.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we are not able to provide a more accurate figure without more detailed due diligence. Do not use the figures in tribunal or court proceedings. There are no doubt other concerns that need to be taken into account and clearly you should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.