As someone unfamiliar with conveyancing in Christchurch what’s your top tip you can impart for the legal transfer of property in Christchurch
You may not hear this from too many lawyers but conveyancing in Christchurch and elsewhere in Dorset is often a confrontational experience. Put another way, when it comes to conveyancing there exists an abundance of opportunity for conflict between you and others involved in the legal transfer of property. E.g., the seller, selling agent and sometimes a bank. Appointing a lawyer for your conveyancing in Christchurch is a critical decision as your conveyancer is your adviser, and is the ONE person in the legal process whose responsibility is to look after your best interests and to protect you.
We are witnessing a distinct emergence in the "blame" culture- someone must be at fault for the process taking so long. We recommend that you should always trust your solicitor above all other parties when it comes to the legal transfer of property.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Christchurch. My lender is Platform
Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 24/5/2026, the requirements read as follows :
There are a variety of conveyancing solicitors in Christchurch but how do I know who's good?
Do not opt for the cheapest Christchurch conveyancing costs illustration. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you know exactly what you’ll have to pay in ahead of time.
I have a mortgage with HSBC for my property in Christchurch. Conveyancing was finalised months ago. If I am intending to rent out the flat and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a BTL mortgage or inform HSBC?
HSBC must be informed of your intention prior to letting out your property as this is likely to be a breach of HSBC’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 HSBC directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a HSBC conveyancing panel firm.
I've digested plenty of mortgage guides, I note that they all recommend that you should get your house surveyed prior to buying it. When I asked my local Christchurch solicitor - who is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel - on this she said they don't do this and I need to contract an independent surveyor. Is that normal?
Aldermore will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Aldermore will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. You may wish to consider appointing your own Christchurch surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
I need some expedited conveyancing in Christchurch as I have an ultimatum to exchange contracts within 2 weeks. Thankfully I do not require a mortgage. Can I escape the need for conveyancing searches to save money and time?
As you are not obtaining a mortgage you are at free not to do searches although no solicitor would advise that you don't. Drawing on our experience of conveyancing in Christchurch the following are instances of what can appear and therefore affect future mortgageability: Enforcement Notices, Outstanding Fees, Outstanding Grants, Railway Schemes,...
Just had an offer accepted on a new build flat in Christchurch. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.
Here are examples of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Christchurch
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If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?
I am purchasing a flat and cash is in place. I have provided solicitor with two distinct forms of photographic ID, bank statement, endless utility bills. Now he requires a copy from a probate lawyer stating that the funds are in order and that it has come from inheritance and not selling fake DVD.
For some years now requires conveyancing solicitors as well as banks, building societies and other financial institutes to obtain satisfactory evidence of the identity of the client. This is because solicitors who deal with money and property on behalf of their clients can be used by criminals wishing to launder money. In order to comply with the law of money laundering, your Christchurch conveyancing lawyer will need to obtain evidence of your identity as as well as make sure that your funds are legitimate.