The Barkingside conveyancing firm handling our Barkingside conveyancing has discovered a difference between the assumptions in the home valuation survey and what is in the conveyancing documents. My lawyer says that he is obliged to check that the lender is OK with this discrepancy and is content to go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s course or action legitimate?
Your lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I have 71 years remaining on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Barkingside. Conveyancing solicitors on the Platform panel can deal with such extensions correct?
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. Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/7/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I am due to move home in October. Will my conveyancing solicitor liaise with the removal company on the completion day. Incidentally, can you suggest a removal company in Barkingside. Conveyancing lawyer was chosen prior to coming across your website.
On the afternoon of completion you can collect the keys from the property agent but this can only take place after the previous owners conveyancers advise the agent that they acknowledge receipt of the completion payment and the keys can be handed over. You can tell the removal company that you are ready to move in. As a matter of policy we do not suggest a specific removal company but can assist you in choosing a residential property solicitor in Barkingside or a firm that specialises in conveyancing in Barkingside.
Is it correct that all Barkingside CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Virgin Money conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
A selection of banks and building societies now utilise CQS as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitor practices wishing to join their approved list of firms.
It is unclear whether my mortgage offer obliges me to make sure the lease term for the flat is extended prior to the completion date. I have called into my local Barkingside bank branch on a couple of occasions and was advised it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My Barkingside conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they refuse to lend based on their specific requirements. I simply don't know who is right.
Provided that the conveyancing practitioner is on the bank approved list, she or he must adhere to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook specifications for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the mortgage company 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 bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
The deeds to my house can not be found. The lawyers who did the conveyancing in Barkingside 10 years ago have long since closed. What are my options?
In today’s world there are copies made of almost everything, and your conveyancer will be aware precisely where to locate all the suitable paperwork so you may purchase or sell your house without a hitch. If duplicates are not available, your lawyer may be able to arrange cover in the form of insurance or indemnities protecting you against possible claims on your property.
Should I be concerned that brokers that I am dealing with are recommending a factory type conveyancing firm rather than a local Barkingside conveyancing firm?
As with lots of professional services, often recommendations from connections can be very helpful. But there are many people with a vested interest in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, financial adviser and lenders may suggest lawyers to choose. On occasion these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there behind the scenes commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You are free to appoint your preferred conveyancer. You need to be aware that the majority of mortgage providers have an approved list of solicitors you have to use for the mortgage aspect of your conveyancing.
Me and my wife have recently had a bid accepted on our 1st house in Barkingside, and need to get solicitors instructed. I have used the numerous comparison tools and the quotes are from all over the England and Wales. Is it essential to have a Barkingside solicitor local to our prospective property? I am willing to do everything electronically, but I am thinking at some point we will need to physically go into the property lawyer's office to sign contracts?
Generally there is no requirement to attend the office of your conveyancer, they can send any relevant documents to you, which you can sign and return. Many buyers and sellers choose to instruct a locally based solicitor, but it's by no means a prerequisite for conveyancing in Barkingside.