We had chosen conveyancing lawyers located in Lewisham on the solicitor approved list. They have just billed me a supplemental amount for handling the mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee set by ?

Provided it is contained in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your is entitled to charge a fee for this. This fee is not dictated by but by your Lewisham . Some firms on the panel will levy an ‘acting for lender’ fee but some practices incorporate it on their overall fee.

How can we know in advance if a Lewisham conveyancing solicitor on the panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Lewisham obtaining recommendations is a sensible starting point. 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 advertising the lowest fees. We would always advocate that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your conveyancing.

I have today made my last payment due on my mortgage with . I assume I don't need a Lewisham on the panel to remove the mortgage at the Land Registry. Am I right?

If you have finished paying off your mortgage, they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the mortgage from the register. , and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:

1. but are not moving to another property
2. where has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
3. has instructed the Land Registry to do so

What will a local search tell me concerning the property I am purchasing in Lewisham?

Lewisham conveyancing often starts with the ordering local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search company such as PSG The local search plays a central role in most Lewisham conveyancing purchase; as long as you don’t want any nasty once you have moved into your property. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic sections.

I used Action Conveyancing several years past for my conveyancing in Lewisham. Now, I need my files however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

Do call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Lewisham of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Lewisham. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here are examples of a few leasehold new build enquiries that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Lewisham

There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company?

I opted to have a survey carried out on a property in Lewisham in advance of appointing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. Our surveyor has said that some lenders may refuse to give a loan on such a home.

It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Lewisham. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.