Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer in Burnopfield is not on my mortgage company's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of the firm’s work?

It would be unwise to jump to that conclusion. There are plenty of plausible explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator indicated that over three quarters of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) lack of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Should you be concerned you should simply call the Burnopfield conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.

I had intended to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Burnopfield for our house purchase. Our financial adviser has since notified us that our bank Accord Mortgages Ltd won't deal with them. Why is this not regarded as unfair competition?

A bank will require an approved solicitor act for it. You would be liable to meet the cost of this. Try using our directory service to get a quote from a solicitor to carry conveyancing in Burnopfield on the Accord Mortgages Ltd member panel.

How does conveyancing in Burnopfield differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Burnopfield contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is finished. This is because builders in Burnopfield usually buy 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 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 used to new build conveyancing in Burnopfield or who has acted in the same development.

Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Burnopfield ahead of retaining lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies may not grant a mortgage on this type of premises.

It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can look into this further via the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Burnopfield. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Burnopfield conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Burnopfield conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggest that you speak with several firms including non Burnopfield conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be of use:

If they are not ALEP accredited then what is the reason? Can they put you in touch with clients in Burnopfield who can give a testimonial?

Burnopfield Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries before buying

This question is helpful as a) areas could cause problems in the block as the common areas may start to deteriorate if repairs are not paid for b) if the leasehold owners have a dispute with the managing agents you will wish to have all the details What prohibitions are contained in the Burnopfield Lease? Be sure to enquire if there are any onerous restrictions in the lease. By way of example some leases prohibit pets being permitted in in a block in Burnopfield. If you like the propertyin Burnopfield however your dog can’t make the move with you then you have a very hard choice.