I can't travel far from Oxford. I would like to know the logic why all Oxford lawyers aren't included on all lender panels?

Pre- 2008 most banks exhibited an approach to risk which is different than today. The financial regulator in 2010 carried out a thematic review into fraud which in summary warned lenders: know the lawyers on your panel. Consequently, lenders have since soughtmore information from law firms concerning their processes and the staff employed by them and set certain criteria such as completing a minimum volume of transactions. Thousands of firms have found themselves excluded from lender panels even though they had 100% healthy track record, no complaints and no claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Such firms were never going to satisfy the minimum amount of transactions the mortgage companies set.

We have agreed to purchase a house in Oxford. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Barclays be concerned?

Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Barclays your lawyer must check the formal instructions outlined in Section 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Barclays. The CML Handbook includes minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and conveyancers are required to report to Barclays where a lease does not satisfy these conditions. The conditions relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Oxford.

I am due to exchange contracts on my house. I had a double glazing fitted in June 2010, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, UBS are being problematic. The Oxford solicitor who is on the UBS conveyancing panel is recommending indemnity insurance as a solution but UBS are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do UBS have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that UBS have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why UBS may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

My offer was accepted on an apartment in Oxford on 22/5/2025, valuation was booked 4 days after, received a clean bill of health. Solicitor appointed, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Santander and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Santander conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?

A lender would not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Santander to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Santander conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

What does commercial conveyancing in Oxford cover?

Commercial conveyancing in Oxford covers a wide array of advice, given by regulated solicitors, relating to business property. By way of example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the assignment of existing business tenancies or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of leases.

I am tempted by the attractive purchase price for a two apartments in Oxford which have about fifty years remaining on the lease term. Do I need to be concerned?

There are plenty of short leases in Oxford. The lease is a legal document that entitles you to use the premises for a period of time. As the lease shortens the saleability of the lease decreases and it becomes more expensive to extend the lease. For this reason it is advisable to increase the term of the lease. Sometimes it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease because mortgage lenders may be unwilling to lend money on properties of this type. Lease enfranchisement can be a difficult process. We advise that you get professional help from a conveyancer and surveyor with experience in this field.

Oxford Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Questions you should ask Prior to Purchasing

How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their maintenance charge payments? Best to be warned if a new roof is being put on or some other major work is due in the foreseeable future that will be shared by the tenants and could well materially increase the the service charges or result in a one time payment. Its a good idea to find out as much as you can concerning the company managing the building as they will affect your use and enjoyment of the property. As the proprietor of a leasehold property you are often at the mercy of the managing agents both financially and when it comes to day to day issues such as the upkeep of the communal areas. Enquire of other people what they think of their service. On a final note, find out the dates that you are obliged pay the service charge to the managing agents and specifically how they are spending that money.

My boyfriend is purchasing a studio flat in Oxford. He has received an estimate by the conveyancer connected to the selling agents and it came to £1385 . It was seven years ago I sold and purchased a home and the bill was £495. Have costs really gone up that much?

We would recommend that you contact two or three local Oxford conveyancing solicitors requesting prices. It is advisable to base your choice not solely on cost, but on promptness and on how comprehensive the response is.