Do the Building Society Association intend to launch a searchable register to to identify firms on the conveyancing panel for example in Chester?

We have not been informed any plans on the part of the BSA to develop such a tool.

What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Chester

We would encourage you not to go for the cheapest Chester 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 know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of time.

We are purchasing a 4 bedroom semi-detached house in Chester. Our aim is to carry out an extension to the side at the house.Will legal conveyancing on the property include checks to ascertain if these alterations are allowed?

Your conveyancer should check the registered title as conveyancing in Chester will sometimes identify restrictions in the title deeds which prevent categories of alterations or necessitated the permission of another owner. Some extensions require local authority planning consent and approval in compliance with building regulations. Certain locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or impact extensions. It would be sensible to check these issues with a surveyor before you commit yourself to a purchase.

Is there a list of panel solicitors in Chester on the Building Society Association’s Website?

No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few banks make their panel listings visible over the internet. If you are looking for a Chester on the please make the most of our facility.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Chester is where the house is located. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Chester are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Chester you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Chester may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

My father has encouraged me to appoint his conveyancing solicitors in Chester. Should I choose my own conveyancer?

No doubt the best way to choose a conveyancing practitioner is to get referrals from friends or family who have actually previously instructed the solicitor that you are contemplating using.

I have read on numerous consumer advice websites that when choosing a conveyancing lawyer they must be approved by your lender. It happens to be my first home move but I have an AIP from Nat West Bank and I already have a high street conveyancing solicitor in Chester in place. Will Santander require an approved lawyer to be instructed? Does a list of panel conveyancers even exist for my conveyancing in Chester?

You need to use a solicitor that is on the Santander panel. Simply ring your preferred Chester conveyancing lawyer and ask if they are on the Santander panel. If they are not on the panel you have a number of alternatives available to you here:

• Carry on with your existing Chester but Santander will need to appoint a on their approved panel. The net impact is additional fees and potential frustration.
• Choose a fresh to conduct the conveyancing, not forgetting to check that they are on the Santander conveyancing panel.
• Convince your to pull out all the stops to join the Santander panel of solicitors.