Can you suggest a Nottingham Building Society accepted Abbey Wood conveyancing conveyancer that can complete within 10 days? Would it be better to use a local Abbey Wood conveyancer or a web based conveyancer?

We can recommend some very good Abbey Wood conveyancing firms. You can also walk up the high street in Abbey Wood. Approach some well established law practices and ask to see a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Discuss your requirements together with your reasons and get an assurance on your deadline. Appoint the one that genuine.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Abbey Wood? Is this really warranted?

Abbey Wood conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers accross the UK have an obligation under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client in order to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to produce two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (typically a Bank Statement less than 3 months old).

Proof of the origin of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as lawyers are mandated to investigate that the money you are utilising to purchase a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase price if you are a cash purchaser) has originated from legitimate source (such as employment savings) rather than the product of criminal behaviour.

There is lots of information on this site concerning conveyancing in Abbey Wood but what is your top tip for selecting the right conveyancer in Abbey Wood

It would be unwise to be tempted by the cheapest Abbey Wood conveyancing quote. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.

We had instructed conveyancers with offices in Abbey Wood on the Co-operative solicitor panel. They have just billed me a separate charge for dealing with the Co-operative mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee set by Co-operative?

Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms and Conditions or estimate then yes your solicitor is entitled to levy a fee for this. This charge is not set by Co-operative but by your Abbey Wood property lawyer. Plenty of firms on the Co-operative panel will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee and others do not.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Abbey Wood. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.

Various online forums that I have visited warn that are the number one cause of obstruction in Abbey Wood conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the most frequent causes of delays in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to feature in any holding up conveyancing in Abbey Wood.

Should I be suspicious about estate agents that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an online conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Abbey Wood conveyancing practice?

As is the case with many service providers, often recommendations from relatives can be worth their weight in gold. But there are many parties with a keen interest in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies may put forward lawyers to retain. On occasion the lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there might be a financial incentive behind the recommendation. You are free to select your own conveyancer. You need to be aware that some lenders operate an approved list of lawyers you have to use for the lender related work in your transaction.