Speeding up workI understand that the roll-out process for the National Land Information Service (NLIS) will probably be about another 18 months which, supported by sellers' packs, should see a rapid turnaround in transaction times.In the meantime, I have a simple suggestion to ensure a small improvement in certainty and speed.

Estate agents, when compiling memoranda of sale on leasehold transactions, should obtain from the seller's solicitor and then state the commencement date and term of the lease.

The buyer's solicitor can then advise both the client and the lender on the viability of the purchase at the start without incurring unnecessary expense and effort.Peter Smith, Sharpes Solicitors & CLT, London