We are buying a 2 bedroom apartment in Brent Cross with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Brent Cross solicitor, but the bank advise she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel conveyancing practices or retain our Brent Cross conveyancing practitioner as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. We consider that this is inequitable; are we not able to demand that the mortgage company use our Brent Cross conveyancing practitioner ?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Brent Cross conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
We were just about to exchange contracts for a ground floor flat in Brent Cross. We encountered a snag. Our loan offer with Accord Mortgages Ltd runs out on 13/11/2025 but the vendors are putting forward a completion date of 17/11/2025. Is it possible to extend the mortgage expiry date?
The best person to address this concern is your lawyer who will assess if he or she is should be discussing with the bank, vendor’s lawyers, property agents or possibly all three based on the history of your conveyancing to date.
I own a freehold house in Brent Cross but still pay rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Brent Cross and has limited impact for conveyancing in Brent Cross but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of new rentcharges post 1977.
Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 will be extinguished.
We wanted to use a conveyancing solicitor in Brent Cross for our house move. Our financial adviser informed us that our bank Birmingham Midshires won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unduly restrictive?
Banks in the main restrict either the type or the number of conveyancing practices on their member panel. A common example of such criteria being that a firm must have two or more partners. As well as restricting the type of firm, some have decided to limit the number of firms they allow to act for them. Be aware that Birmingham Midshires have no responsibility for the quality of advice provided by any member of Birmingham Midshires Conveyancer Panel. Mortgage fraud was a primary driver in the rationalisation of solicitor panels since 2008 even though there remains differing views about the extent of solicitor involvement in some of that fraud. Figures from the Land Registry indicate that hundreds of law firms, including some in or near Brent Cross only conduct a couple conveyances a year.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Brent Cross before retaining solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. Our surveyor advised that some banks tend refuse to give a loan on such a premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different instructions from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can check with the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Brent Cross. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.