I am close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our property in Oldham and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was built land that was not decontaminated. A local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers are using a web based conveyancing outfit rather than a conveyancing solicitor in Oldham. Having lived in Oldham for six years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to get confirmation that there is no issue.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm already. Are they able to advise? You should check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)

I am purchasing a new build house in Oldham with a loan from . The sellers would not budge the price so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of additionals instead. The estate agent advised me not disclose to my lawyer about the deal as it may affect my mortgage with the lender. Should I keep quiet?.

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.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on a fortnight ago in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Oldham is the location of the property. Is there any guidance you can impart?

Flying freeholds in Oldham are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Oldham you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds diligently. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Oldham may determine that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.

I have been recommended by numerous property agents in Oldham to choose a property lawyer using your seach tool. Is there a financial upside for Estate Agents to promote your site rather than another?

We don’t offer any financial incentive for pointing buyers and sellers our way. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission because home movers will think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.

What is the best way to find the right lawyer for my conveyancing in Oldham ?

First ask the people you trust they would would seek assistance from. Second, search the web for conveyancing in Oldham. Phone two or three from the list and request that they email you their conveyancing estimate and discuss your needs with the solicitor who will conduct your conveyancing before you commit. Option 3 is to make use of our search tool to help you find the right solicitors for you based on your unique factors including location,speed, complexity and who the proposed lender is.Resist the temptation to appoint lowest cost conveyancing solicitors in Oldham