I am buying my first home and have been told my mortgage company is waiting for the Certificate of Title. What is this and could it cause a hold up?

The solicitor acting on your behalf in the purchase of your new home will, usually, also act on behalf of your lender providing you with the mortgage funds required for your purchase.

Your solicitor will need to satisfy very strict and extensive conditions and requirements which all lenders require from solicitors and conveyancers. This obliges your solicitor to report to your Lender any issues arising out of any pre contract investigations, either in respect of the title of the property, or your own personal circumstances, insofar as these differ from the position reflected in your mortgage offer, the most common variation being a change in the purchase price.

Only when your solicitor is satisfied on all aspects will he be prepared to submit to your Lender his report on the title of the property, otherwise known as the Certificate of Title.

This is the form which confirms to the Lender that all matters relating to the property are acceptable, that there are no onerous covenants or lack of rights of access or services to the property, and that, in the opinion of the solicitor, the property has a good and marketable title. The certificate will also specify the completion date on which the funds are required.

* Emyr Pierce is Managing Partner of Emyr Pierce Solicitors in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Western Mail Conveyancer of the Year, specialising in Domestic and Commercial Property. Contact www.emyrpierce.co.uk or email law@emyrpierce.co.uk