My husband and I are approaching an exchange on a property in West Kensington and my parents have transferred the ten percent deposit to my conveyancer. I am now advised that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my property lawyer needs to make a notification to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the mortgage company he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is not just from me. I disclosed to the mortgage company regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?
The conveyancing practitioner is legally required to check with lender to ensure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. Your solicitor can only report this to your lender if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
About to place a bid on a leasehold flat in West Kensington. The estate agents tell me that it is usual for flats in West Kensington to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am taking out a mortgage with Chelsea Building Society. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 72 years unexpired.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 12/9/2025 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in West Kensington differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in West Kensington approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because new home sellers in West Kensington typically buy the real estate, 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 West Kensington or who has acted in the same development.
In searching the internet for the term conveyancing in West Kensington it reveals numerous solicitorslocally. With so much choice what is the best way to find the right property lawyer for me?
The best way of finding the right conveyancer is through a trusted testimonial, so enquire of colleagues and those you trust who have bought a property in West Kensington or the respected estate agent or mortgage broker. Charges for conveyancing in West Kensington differ, so it's a good idea to request a minimum of three costs illustrations from different companies. Make sure that you clarify that the costs are guaranteed not to to be inflated.
My step-mother completed her conveyancing in West Kensington in 2006. She has been married, divorced and has recently remarried. She now wants to the sell the West Kensington property. I suspect that she will just be need to provide a copy of her marriage papers to the property lawyer but she is anxious it will delay the house sale. Is it worth updating the Land Registry documents for the property?
The is no need to bring up to date the title for the property as long as you have the evidence needed to show how the name change occurred.
Any buyer’s lawyer should review the title details and ask for evidence by way of proof of the name change for instance marriage certificates.