My husband and I are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Catshill with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Catshill conveyancer, however the bank advise he's not on their "panel". It appears that we have little choice but to appoint one of the mortgage company panel firms or retain our Catshill conveyancer and pay for one of their panel firms to act for them. We consider that this is unjust; are we not able to require that the mortgage company use our Catshill conveyancing practitioner ?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’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. Another option that might be available is for your Catshill conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold property in Catshill. The estate agents assure me that it is the norm for flats in Catshill to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am taking out a loan with Virgin. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 72 years unexpired.
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. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 23/11/2025 the requirements read as follows :
A friend informed me that in purchasing a property in Catshill there could be various restrictions preventing external alterations to a property. Is this right?
There are anumerous of properties in Catshill which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to carry out external variations. Part of the conveyancing in Catshill should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
My husband and I have arranged the release of further funds on our mortgage from Barclays as we intend to conduct a loft conversion to our home in Catshill. Are we obliged to appoint a high street Catshill solicitor on the Barclays conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?
Barclays don't usually require a member of their approved list of lawyers to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Barclays conveyancing panel.
Intending to buy a house in Catshill. I have received an online quote from a licenced conveyancer, which states: "There will be no charge for dealing with the Lender if you are obtaining a mortgage". I take this to mean that there will be no additional fee if the solicitor is on the Barclays conveyancing panel. I wanted to make sure it means there will be no additional fees for dealing with the mortgage.
They are simply saying that the cost for acting for the lender is included in the fee being quoted. It is worth you checking that the Catshill lawyer is on the Barclays conveyancing panel.
I am looking for a ground for flat up to £245,000 and found one close by in Catshill I like with a park and railway links nearby, however it's only got 61 years unexpired on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Catshill in this price bracket, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a lease with such few years left?
If you require a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term will likely be a potential deal breaker. Discount the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least twenty four months you may request that they commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.
My company is planning to take over a lease of an office on the high street. Can you recommend lawyers offering competitive costs for non-domestic conveyancing in Catshill for under £1,200?
We can recommend firms who have well rounded knowledge of commercial conveyancing in Catshill, including the disposal and purchase of businesses as well as simply premises. If you are intending to purchase or dispose of a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail unit or a whole business we can find you the right lawyer. As for the charges this will depend on the structure and nuances of the proposed transaction. Let us have your details or phone us so that we may provide you with a fixed commercial conveyancing quote.
Why do I have to provide my conveyancer with numerous items of ID ahead of starting selling or purchasing a property in Catshill?
Catshill conveyancing practitioners are obliged by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority, HM Land Registry and current Money Laundering Regulations to record that the have verified the identity of their clients. It is also sometimes a requirement of your mortgage offer. In addition they have to complete various forms, particularly those relating to stamp duty land tax and need to have details such as your full names, national insurance number and date of birth.