I am expecting a mortgage offer from Halifax. I intend to retain the legal services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Rufford. Does the Halifax Solicitor panel allow for Licensed Conveyancers?
The Halifax conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
My Rufford conveyancer has uncovered a discrepancy between the assumptions in the home valuation survey and what is in the legal papers for the property. My lawyer informs me that he must check that the lender is happy with this discrepancy and is still content to lend. Is my solicitor’s approach correct?
Your conveyancer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for both parties.
My wife and I have a terraced Victorian property in Rufford. Conveyancing lawyer represented me and Godiva Mortgages Ltd. I did a free Land Registry search last week and there are a couple of entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold with the matching address. Is it worth asking Godiva Mortgages Ltd to clarify?
You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Rufford and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also check the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who carried out the work.
How does conveyancing in Rufford differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Rufford come to us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because house builders in Rufford typically acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Rufford or who has acted in the same development.
My partner has recommend that I use his conveyancing solicitors in Rufford. Should I use them?
No doubt the ideal way to find a conveyancing practitioner is to get referrals from friends or relatives who have actually experience in using the solicitor that you are contemplating using.