In our weekly legal column, the Leader, with the expert advice of the team at GHP Legal, sets out to answer some of your problems. Today's question is answered by senior solicitor Michael Ogden...

When should I give notice to my landlord if I'm buying a property? And can I use vendor's solicitor to save money?

Q: I am currently renting a property but am looking to buy a house and I have two questions. Firstly, so that I can work out when to give notice to my landlord, how long does it usually take for a sale to conclude once an offer has been accepted? (My lease says I have to give one month's notice.) Secondly, would it be cheaper if I used the same solicitor as the seller?

A: It is impossible to estimate how long a sale transaction may take for you as it depends on many different factors. For example, how many buyers and sellers there are in the chain, whether it is a new property that has not previously been registered at the Land Registry, or if there are any existing covenants on the deeds. It is a common dilemma for buyers living in rented accommodation, because if you give notice too soon and there are delays you could find yourself homeless, and conversely if you give notice too late you could end up paying both rent and mortgage costs.

A general rule of thumb is to give notice to your landlord when you exchange contracts on the property you are purchasing. This is because whilst you and the vendor can agree a completion date, it is only on exchange of contracts that a completion date becomes legally binding. Once you have exchanged you and your solicitor can work out a suitable completion date.

With regard to you using the same solicitor as the vendor, this would be considered a conflict of interest under the rules laid down in the Solicitors Code of Conduct. Only in exceptional circumstances would it be acceptable, and only if a different solicitor in a different department in the practice acted for each party.

• This question has been answered by Michael Ogden, a senior solicitor with GHP Legal. If you would like to speak to someone about this or any other legal matter, please visit our website www.ghplegal.com and use the contact us form, or call us on: Wrexham 01978 291456, Llangollen 01978 860313, Oswestry 01691 659194.