I used Wolstenholmes several years ago for my conveyancing in Shefford. I now require my file however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?

Do contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down 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 Shefford of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

How does conveyancing in Shefford differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Shefford come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is constructed. This is because house builders in Shefford tend to acquire 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Shefford or who has acted in the same development.

We are 17 days into a freehold purchase having been referred to solicitors by the high street agent to execute conveyancing in Shefford. I am am extremely dissatisfied with the quality of service. Could you help me find new lawyers?

They would need to be very poor in order to consider changing them. Has the mortgage offer been sent? In the event that it has you need to advise them of the new contact details and have the loan are issued to the new lawyers. Your new solicitor ideally should be on the mortgage company panel to avoid escalating fees and frustration. So that should be your starting point. The find a solicitor tool should help you find a lender approved lawyer for your home move in Shefford

What are your top tips when it comes to appointing a Shefford conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Shefford conveyancing practice) it is essential that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Shefford conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

How experienced is the firm with lease extension legislation? Can they put you in touch with clients in Shefford who can give a testimonial?

Shefford Leasehold Conveyancing - Examples of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

This question is helpful as a) areas may result in problems for the building as the communal areas may start to deteriorate where services remain unpaid b) if the tenants have an issue with the managing agents you will need to have all the details How much is the ground rent and service charge?

My fiance and I are hoping to buy a four room flatin Shefford with a loan from a bank. We would like to retain our lawyer in Shefford yet our bank inform us now that he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the our mortgage company panel solicitors or keep our Shefford conveyancer and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?

Unfortunately,no. The lender home loan issued is subject to conditions, one of which will be that solicitors will on the mortgage company's conveyancing panel. in the past, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels, including almost all conveyancing solicitors in Shefford : a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for your bank.