I am in the process of selling my home in Scotter and the EA has just telephoned to say that the buyers are switching solicitor. The reason given is that the lender will only deal with solicitors on their approved list. Why would a leading lender only deal with specific lawyers rather the firm that they want to select for their conveyancing in Scotter ?
Lenders have always had panels of law firms that can act for them, but in the last few years big names such as Nationwide, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have acted for them for many years.
Banks attribute this action to a rise in fraud by way of justification for the cull – criteria have been tightened as a smaller panel is easier to oversee. Banks tend not to disclose how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society says it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms are unaware that they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The purchasers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
Can you explain why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Scotter costs more?
The conveyancing costs for a leasehold property in Scotter is frequently greater when contrasted to a freehold residence. This is due to the extra time necessary in communicating with the landlord and management company to obtain information about whether the rent and service charges have been cleared and whether there are any significant expenditure in the foreseeable future on repairs or maintenance of the block.
I have just over seventy years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my flat in Scotter. Conveyancing solicitors on the Accord Mortgages panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 23/7/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Scotter differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Scotter come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is finished. This is because new home sellers in Scotter tend to buy the land, 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 conveyancers 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 used to new build conveyancing in Scotter or who has acted in the same development.
I decided to have a survey done on a house in Scotter before appointing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some banks tend not issue a loan on such a premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements from Nationwide. If you contact us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Scotter. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Scotter especially if they are acquainted with such properties in Scotter.