We wanted to use a conveyancing solicitor in Hampshire for our house move. Our broker informed us that our mortgage lenders Accord Mortgages Ltd won't deal with them. Surely this is unduly restrictive?

Mortgage Companies tend to imposes restrictions either the category or the volume of conveyancing solicitors on their member panel. Typical examples of such restriction(s) being that a law practice must not be a sole practitioner. As well as restricting the type of firm, a few banks have decided to limit the number of solicitor practices they allow to represent them. Be aware that Accord Mortgages Ltd have no responsibility for the quality of advice provided by any member of Accord Mortgages Ltd Conveyancer Panel. Mortgage fraud was a key driver in the rationalisation of conveyancing panels since 2008 even though there are mixed opinions about the level of solicitor engagement in some of that fraud. Data from the Land Registry reveal that plenty of law firms, including some in or near Hampshire only execute a couple conveyances a year.

Can you help - my lawyer says that missing deeds insurance is required on my purchase. What is the level of cover for Hampshire conveyancing?

The right level of missing deeds indemnity insurance depends on your lender. It would differ for example between Yorkshire Building Society and Skipton Building Society. Conveyancing solicitors as opposed to members of the public take out such policies.

How can we tell if a Hampshire conveyancing solicitor on the Yorkshire BS panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Hampshire getting recommendations is a sensible start. 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 suggest that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your conveyancing.

My partner and I have arranged the release of further monies on our home loan from Coventry BS as we wish to conduct improvements to our house in Hampshire. Are we obliged to select a bricks and mortar Hampshire solicitor on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?

Coventry BS don't usually appoint a member of their conveyancing panel to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel.

How easy is it to transfer to a new conveyancer as I have to appoint one who is on the National Westminster Bank conveyancing list. I instructed a family conveyancing solicitor in Hampshire five minutes from me but the firm is not accepted by National Westminster Bank

We will our best to assist in finding you a conveyancing solicitor in Hampshire on the National Westminster Bank panel. Please note that the property lawyers that we work with do not pay us fee if you instruct them and are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority who oversee all conveyancing solicitors in Hampshire. In utilising the find a conveyancing solicitor tool on this site, you can compare and instruct different solicitors and conveyancers both nationally and in Hampshire.

I am using a search engine for the phrase cheap conveyancing in Hampshire it shows results of many conveyancerslocally. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable property lawyer for purchase transaction?

The preferential way of choosing a suitable conveyancer is through a personal testimonial, so enquire of colleagues and relatives who have bought a property in Hampshire or a reputable estate agent or financial adviser. Charges for conveyancing in Hampshire differ, so it's a good idea to request at least three fee estimates from varying types of solicitors. Make sure that you know what costs in the quote includes.

What advice can you give us when it comes to appointing a Hampshire conveyancing practice to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a property lawyer for your lease extension (regardless if they are a Hampshire conveyancing firm) it is essential that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We suggest that you talk with several firms including non Hampshire conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:

What are the legal fees for lease extension conveyancing? How many lease extensions have they conducted in Hampshire in the last twenty four months?

Hampshire Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should consider Prior to Purchasing

Is anyone aware of any major works on the horizon that will likely add a premium to the service charges? It would be sensible to discover as much as possible regarding the managing agents as they can either make life much simpler or much more difficult. Being a leasehold owner you are often at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to daily issues like the upkeep of the communal areas. Ask other people what they think of them. Finally, be sure you understand the dates that the service fees are due to the managing agents and precisely how they are spending the funds. Who are the managing agents?