I am not in a position to travel far from Chatham. What is the rationale as to why all Chatham lawyers aren't included on all lender panels?
As inequitable as it may seem for lenders to limit who can represent them, from the public’s or lawyer’s viewpoint, the other side of the coin is that lenders are increasingly anxious and consider it crucial to protect them from illegal activities. As a result of this concern banks have reduced their conveyancing panel to a size that they are happy to control.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Chatham. My lender is Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 23/6/2025, the requirements read as follows :
My partner and I are selling our home in Chatham and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a possibility that the property was constructed land that was not decontaminated. Any local conveyancer would know this is not the case. For the life of me I don't know why the purchasers used a web based conveyancing outfit as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Chatham. We have lived in Chatham for many years we know of no issue. Should we get in touch with our local Authority to get clarification need.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)
I'm purchasing my first flat in Chatham with the aid of help to buy. The developers would not budge the price so I negotiated 6k of fixtures and fittings instead. The sale representative told me not inform my conveyancer about this side-deal as it may jeopardize my mortgage with the bank. Is this normal?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a simple, chain free conveyancing. Chatham is the location of the property. Can you shed any light on this issue?
Flying freeholds in Chatham are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Chatham you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Chatham may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.
My husband and I are new on the property ladder - had an offer accepted, but the agent told us that the owners will only go ahead if we appoint the agent's recommended conveyancers as they need a ‘quick sale’. We would rather use a family solicitor accustomed to conveyancing in Chatham
It is unlikely the sellers are behind this. If they desire ‘a quick sale', turning down a serious buyer is is going to put the whole deal at risk. Contact the vendors directly and make the point that (a)you are genuine buyers (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances arranged © you are unencumbered (d) you intend to proceed fast (e)but you will continue to use your own,trusted Chatham conveyancing firm - as opposed tothose that will earn the estate agent a commission or meet his conveyancing figures demanded by corporate headquarters.