Willretaining a Westminster conveyancing practice make my purchase more efficient?
In the main conveyancing lawyers in your neck of the woods will enjoy strong relationships with your local authority, which can assist with your Westminster conveyancing searches that your lawyer will require on your transaction. It can only be a plus if they have strong relationships with the Local Land Registry Office your area Westminster, other property lawyers in the area and Westminster property agents.
Our solicitor has identified a a problem with the lease for the apartment we are buying in Westminster. The other side have offered defective title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will pay for it. Our conveyancer says that he must be satisfied that the bank is willing to move forward with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the mortgage company ?
Even though you have a mortgage offer from the mortgage company does not mean to say that the property will meet their specifications for the purposes of a mortgage. Your lawyer has to ensure that the lease has to comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications. You and the mortgage company are the client. These conveyancing instructions must be adhered to.
I have Fifty Six years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my apartment in Westminster. Conveyancing solicitors on the Tesco Bank panel can deal with such extensions right?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 7/12/2025 the requirements read as follows :
We are planning to move home in February. Does my conveyancing solicitor communicate with the removal company on the day of completion. Incidentally, can you suggest a removal company in Westminster. Conveyancing firm was chosen before I stumbled across your page.
On the afternoon of completion you will need to pick up the house keys from the property agent however this can only be done when the previous owners lawyers confirm to the agent that they have the completion monies and the keys can be released. Subsequently you will need to inform the removal men that they can start moving you in. As a matter of policy we do not recommend a specific removal organisation but can help you choose a conveyancing in Westminster or a lawyer with expertise in conveyancing in Westminster.
How can we tell if a Westminster conveyancing solicitor on the Santander panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Westminster getting recommendations is a sensible starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always recommend that you speak with the solicitor conducting your transaction.
I can not fathom if my lender obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have telephoned my Westminster bank branch on numerous occasions and was informed it wasn't an issue and they would lend. My Westminster conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called and was told they refuse to lend in accordance with their UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook minimum lease term requirements. I have no idea who is right.
As long as the solicitor is on the mortgage company approved list, she or he must comply with the CML Handbook conditions for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the mortgage company to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
Am I right to be wary by brokers that I am dealing with are suggesting a factory type conveyancing firm rather than a local Westminster conveyancing practice?
As with lots of professional services, often suggestions from connections can be most helpful. Nevertheless there are many people with a keen interest in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, financial adviser and banks may put forward conveyancers to retain. On occasion the lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but occasionally there behind the scenes financial incentive behind the recommendation. You have the discretion to appoint your preferred conveyancer. Don't forget that most banks have an approved list of lawyers you have to use for the mortgage aspect of your home move.