We are hoping to buy a 2 bedroom apartment in Wotton under Edge with a mortgage. We have a Wotton under Edge solicitor, but the mortgage company says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no choice but to select one of the mortgage company panel solicitors or keep our Wotton under Edge property lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. We regard this is inequitable; can we not insist that the bank use our Wotton under Edge property lawyer ?
Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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 Wotton under Edge conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
What can a local search tell me regarding the house we're buying in Wotton under Edge?
Wotton under Edge conveyancing often commences with the applying for local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for example Searches UK The local search is essential in every Wotton under Edge conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any unpleasant surprises after you move into your property. The search should reveal information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the property (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic sections.
Despite weeks of looking the Title Certificate and documents to my property are lost. The solicitors who dealt with the conveyancing in Wotton under Edge 4 years ago have long since closed. What are my next steps?
Nowadays there are copies made of almost everything, and your solicitor will be aware exactly where to look for all the relevant documentation so you can buy or sell your house without a hitch. Where copies can’t be found, your solicitor may be able to put in place insurance or indemnities against possible claims on the property.
I am looking for a ground for flat up to £235,500 and identified one near me in Wotton under Edge I like with a park and station nearby, however it's only got 51 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Wotton under Edge in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a lease with such few years left?
If you need a mortgage that many years will likely be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you may request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer regarding this matter.
My brother has recommend that I appoint his conveyancers in Wotton under Edge. Should I use them?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Wotton under Edge conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing practitioner is to get recommendations from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the conveyancer that you are contemplating using.