Is there a list of Virgin Money panel solicitors in Alresford on the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Website?

No. There is no such tool on the CML or Building Society Association websites. Very few lending institutions make their panel listings visible over the internet. Where you are seeking to appoint a Alresford lawyer on the Virgin Money please make the most of our tool.

My wife and I have arranged the release of further funds on our mortgage from Lloyds as we intend to carry out improvements to our home in Alresford. Do we need to appoint a nearby Alresford solicitor on the Lloyds conveyancing panel to deal with the paperwork?

Lloyds would not normally appoint a member of their conveyancing panel to deal with such a matter. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Lloyds list.

I am selling my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in December 2007, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's mortgage company, Leeds Building Society are being pedantic. The Alresford solicitor who is on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution but Leeds Building Society are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Leeds Building Society have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Leeds Building Society have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Leeds Building Society may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

I have been told that property searches are the main cause of obstruction in Alresford house deals. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) published conclusions of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the most frequent causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Alresford.

How does conveyancing in Alresford differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Alresford come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because new home sellers in Alresford typically buy the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Alresford or who has acted in the same development.

Am I best advised to appoint a Alresford conveyancing lawyer based in the location that I am buying? I have an old university friend who can deal with the legal work however his firm is located 300miles away.

The benefit of a local Alresford conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign documents, present your identification documents and apply pressure on them where appropriate. Having local Alresford know how is a bonus. However nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If if people you trust used your friend and in the main were content that should surpass using an unfamiliar Alresford conveyancing solicitor solely due to them being local.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have since discovered that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I would have thought that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Alresford. Conveyancing lawyers have are soon to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Alresford are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local solicitor used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Alresford in which case you should be looking for a Alresford conveyancing practitioner and check that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example requiring the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a service charge towards the maintenance of the estate where the property is part of an estate. Your solicitor should report to you on the legal implications.

I bought a studio flat in Alresford, conveyancing formalities finalised 5 years ago. Can you shed any light on how much the price could be for a 90 year extension to my lease? Similar properties in Alresford with over 90 years remaining are worth £179,000. The ground rent is £65 per annum. The lease finishes on 21st October 2082

With 57 years remaining on your lease we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £26,600 and £30,800 as well as professional fees.

The figure that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of detailed due diligence. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. Please do not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.