We are purchasing a 2 bedroom flat in Bearsted with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Bearsted lawyer, but the mortgage company says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel solicitors or retain our Bearsted solicitor and pay for one of their panel firms to act for them. We regard this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
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 Bearsted conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
In the event thatI was to purchase a straightforward propertyin Bearsted mortgage fee and dispense with a survey and no local authority searches how much would I expect to have to pay for conveyancing in Bearsted?
Any savings you would gain would be limited to the Bearsted conveyancing searches. The property lawyer is obliged to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, communicating with your sellers lawyer, stamp duty return, register the ownership etc. A slight saving might be made by not needing to register a charge but it won't be a lot.
It is a dozen years since I bought my home in Bearsted. Conveyancing lawyers have recently been appointed on the sale but I can't track down the deeds. Will this jeopardise the sale?
You need not be too concerned. Firstly the deeds may be kept by your lender or they could be archived with the lawyers who oversaw the purchase. Secondly the chances are that the land will be recorded at the land registry and you will be able to establish that you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers acquiring up to date copy of the land registers. Almost all conveyancing in Bearsted relates to registered property but in the unlikely event that your property is not registered it is more tricky but is resolvable.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Bearsted. The selling agents assure me that it is standard for flats in Bearsted to have less than 75 years remaining. I am getting a mortgage with Chelsea Building Society. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has Seventy One years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 4/10/2025 the requirements read as follows :
I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to tick a lot of boxes, at a great figure which is making it all the more appealing. I have subsequently been informed that it's a leasehold as opposed to freehold. I would have thought that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Bearsted. Conveyancing advisers have are soon to be instructed. Will my lawyers set out the risks of buying a leasehold house in Bearsted ?
The majority of houses in Bearsted are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can help the conveyancing process. We note that you are buying in Bearsted in which case you should be looking for a Bearsted conveyancing solicitor and be sure that they have experience in dealing with leasehold houses. First you will need to check the number of years remaining. As a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions for example obtaining the landlord’sconsent to conduct alterations. You may also be required to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor should appraise you on the various issues.
Bearsted Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Queries before buying
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Is anyone aware of any major works anticipated that could add a premium to the service costs? How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their service charge payments? How is the lease structured?
Are you able to confirm the extent of conveyancing handled by Bearsted conveyancing companies?
The majority of Bearsted conveyancing solicitors will offer various assistance to residential and rural land proprietors, sellers, purchasers, landlords and tenants helping outwith some of the following:
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Standard residential sale conveyancing in Bearsted and throughout the rest of the country
Home purchase conveyancing in Bearsted and also around the country
Auction sales and purchase conveyancing in Bearsted and beyond Adverse Possession claims where you are occupying an area of land adjacent to your property and using this as your own - advise on the potential for making a claim to ownership of that land Planning permissions and restrictions Licence to Alter