My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Blackfen. I need to find out if they are accepted on the The Royal Bank of Scotland approved list of lawyers. Can you assist?

You should phone your conveyancer and ask them whether they can act for the lender. Alternatively please call The Royal Bank of Scotland who may be able to help.

Can I be sure that the Blackfen conveyancing solicitor on the Skipton panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Blackfen obtaining recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your transaction.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Blackfen. I have a mortgage agreed with Barclays. 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 Barclays, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Barclays conveyancing panel.

Completion of my purchase has taken place for my property in Blackfen. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I would like to complain about the lender. How does one go about formally complaining?

Almost all lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are resolved effectively and efficiently. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.

How does conveyancing in Blackfen differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Blackfen contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because house builders in Blackfen usually purchase the land, 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 conveyancers 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 Blackfen or who has acted in the same development.

I'm remortgaging my primary property to a buy to let loan with Barclays Direct and I will use the ballance of the raised equity as a down payment on further property. The area we are looking at is Blackfen. Will your conveyancers be able to act for both sets of lenders and tie in the two deals?

Make use of our comparison tool on this page to be sure that the conveyancers are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are the solicitor should be able to connect the two transactions but you should talk with you lawyer and communicate your desired outcome and requirements.

Having used your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the lender conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the bank approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?

Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the mortgage company conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the lender solicitor panel.