We are purchasing a 1 bedroom flat in Westhoughton with a mortgage. We have a Westhoughton lawyer, however the bank says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no choice but to appoint one of the lender panel conveyancing practices or keep our Westhoughton and pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. We regard this is inequitable; can we not require that the bank use our Westhoughton ?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: 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 Westhoughton conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and must vacate my rented property in Westhoughton by the end of next month. Conveyancing for my house purchase is progressing. Is it possible to complete in 4 weeks as I wish to avoid having to move into short term accommodation?
It is unwise to provide notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not previously done so, contact to your solicitor and ask them to they apply pressure on the sellers lawyers, try to an acceptable time-line that all parties will aim towards
How up to date is your database of Westhoughton solicitors on the conveyancing panel? Do send you an updated list?
Westhoughton conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from directly.
Are the BSA planning on creating a searchable register to list law firms on the conveyancing panel for instance in Westhoughton?
We would not expect to be advised of any intention on the part of the BSA to promote such a tool.
I understand that there are debates on Chancel Insurance on online forums. Do I need chancel insurance when purchasing a house in Westhoughton? or Apparently there is historic law that means some homeowners residing in a parish church boundary will be compelled to contribute towards repairs towards the chancel within the church. Is this applicable for conveyancing in Westhoughton?
Unless a previous purchase of the house completed after 12 October 2013 you may expect conveyancing practitioners carrying out conveyancing in Westhoughton to continue to recommend a chancel search and or chancel repair liability policy.