My flat in Colwall is up for sale and I have accepted an offer. Does my conveyancer have to be on the HSBC conveyancing panel in order to deal with redeeming my mortgage?
Ordinarily, even if your lawyer is not on the HSBC conveyancing panel they can still act for you on your sale. It might be that the lender will not release the original deeds (if applicable and increasingly irrelevant) until after the mortgage is paid off. You should speak to your lawyer directly before you start the process though to ensure that there is no problem as lenders are changing their panel criteria fairly frequently at the moment.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Colwall off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Skipton. 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 Skipton, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Skipton conveyancing panel.
The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Colwall. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
Almost all lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Team at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are resolved effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service with full details of your complaint.
I can not work out if my bank obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called my Colwall bank branch on numerous occasions and was advised it wasn't an issue and they would lend. My Colwall conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called to say that they refuse to lend based on their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I have no idea who is right.
Your conveyancing practitioner must follow the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook section two provisions for your lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the lender will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Colwall in advance of instructing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. Our surveyor has said that some lenders tend refuse to issue a mortgage on a flying freehold property.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can check via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Colwall. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Colwall to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
I am downsizing from my property. My previous conveyancers has retired. I am in need of a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Colwall if that makes things easier.
Please use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Colwall. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes smoothly.
New build sellers have recommended to me a conveyancer and I've obtained a quote from them. They are nearly £400 cheaper than my own Colwall lawyer. What's the catch?
Housebuilders often have panels of conveyancers who expedite matters and who know the developer’s contract and property lawyer. As many developers offer an incentive to use their approved solicitor for this reason, any increased cost can be avoided and a builder won't suggest a conveyancing warehouse and run the risk of having the transaction delayed when they want exchange within a tight deadline. The argument for not opting for the suggested conveyancer is that they may be hesitant to fight for your interests at the risk of upsetting the housebuilder. Where you have concerns that this may be the case you should keep with your local Colwall solicitor.