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approved by Astra Mtgs
Ready to buy a new home? Failing to check that a lawyer is on the Astra Mtgs list of approved solicitors can put your transaction at risk of delay or failure.
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How does my firm apply to be on the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel? How can my firm be reinstated onto the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel?Find an Approved Solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel
Q and A’s regarding the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing Panel
I am expecting a mortgage with ASTRA mortgages. I would like to employ the services of a Licensed Conveyancer. Does the ASTRA mortgages Conveyancing panel allow for conveyancers regulated by the CLC
ASTRA mortgages’s approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders represented by the CML or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
We are nearing an exchange and my parents having transferred the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender ASTRA mortgages. Apparently, being on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform ASTRA mortgages if the balance of the mortgage advance is not just from me. I informed the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the home loan so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with ASTRA mortgages to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to ASTRA mortgages if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
Do all the firms listed on your search have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the ASTRA mortgages solicitor panel?
The Council of Mortgage Lenders or BSA do not require online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I am considering applying for a ASTRA mortgages mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) with 60% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for ASTRA mortgages?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but ASTRA mortgages will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat. I have a mortgage offer with ASTRA mortgages. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with ASTRA mortgages you will need to appoint a solicitor on the ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel.
The mortgage over my property is with ASTRA mortgages. Conveyancing was finalised some time ago. Should I wish to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform ASTRA mortgages?
ASTRA mortgages must be informed of your intention prior to renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of ASTRA mortgages’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will permit you to let out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact ASTRA mortgages directly. You need not do this via a ASTRA mortgages conveyancing panel solicitor.
Completion of my purchase has taken place with a mortgage from ASTRA mortgages. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about ASTRA mortgages. How does one go about formally complaining?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the ASTRA mortgages branches or the Customer Care Department at ASTRA mortgages head office. In most cases complaints to ASTRA mortgages are resolved very quickly. If you feel that the matter is not resolved you can write to the
Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
Other Topics
Transfer of Equity for ASTRA mortgagesPlease note that Lexsure Ltd is in no way associated with nor affiliated with Lexsure Solicitors