I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Pimlico. My lender is The Mortgage Works

The Mortgage Works have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 1/12/2025, the requirements read as follows :

How do I use the search facility to select a conveyancing lawyer in Pimlico on the approved list for my mortgage?

First choose a mortgage company such as Accord Mortgages Ltd, Virgin Money or Bank of Ireland then type in your preferred area for instance Pimlico. Conveyancing practices in Pimlico and across England and Wales should be listed.

In my capacity as executor for the estate of my uncle I am disposing of a property in Cardiff but live in Pimlico. My solicitor (approximately 300 miles from merequires that I execute a statutory declaration before completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing solicitor in Pimlico to witness this legal document for me?

Technically speaking you are not likely to need to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Ordinarily or notary public or solicitor will be fine regardless of whether they are based in Pimlico

I would like to sublet my leasehold apartment in Pimlico. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask him. Is permission from the freeholder required?

Some leases for properties in Pimlico do contain a provision to say that subletting is only permitted with prior consent from the landlord. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse but, in such cases, they would need to see references. Experience suggests that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting consent.

I own a second floor flat in Pimlico. Given that I can not reach agreement with the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the sum payable for the purchase of the freehold?

Most definitely. We can put you in touch with a Pimlico conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a Pimlico flat is Flats 12A & 19, Evelyn Mansions Carlisle Place in June 2009. The Tribunal held that the price to be paid for the new lease of Flat 12A is £168,824, For the other flat the price was set at £169,110 This case affected 2 flats. The remaining number of years on the lease was 56 years.

I have finally had an offer on an flat in Pimlico accepted, the seller does nevertheless have an associated purchase. The owners have offered on on an apartment, but it’s not been accepted yet, and are looking at other flats in the pipeline. I have instructed a nearby conveyancing lawyer in Pimlico. What should be my next step? At what point should I apply for the mortgage with Yorkshire BS?

It is usual to have anxieties where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to be too out of pocket prematurely (home loan application is approx £1k, then valuation, Pimlico conveyancing search costs, etc). First, you must check that your solicitor is on the Yorkshire BS approved list. As to the subsequent stages this very much dictated by the specifics of your transaction, desire for this property and on the state of the market. In a rising market the majority of home buyers will apply for the mortgage with Yorkshire BS and arrange for the valuation and only if it was satisfactory would they pay their conveyancer to proceed with searches.