I am nearing exchange of contracts for my flat in Covent Garden and the EA has just called to warn that the buyers are switching conveyancer. The excuse is that the lender will only engage with property lawyers on their approved list. Why would a big named lender only deal with specific lawyers rather the firm that they want to select for their conveyancing in Covent Garden ?
Mortgage companies have always had panels of law firms that can act for them, but in recent years big names such as Lloyds Banking Group, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have represented them for many years.
Lenders point to the increase in fraud by way of justification for the pruning – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to keep an eye on. Banks tend not to reveal how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The buyers are unlikely to have any impact on this.
I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and have to leave my let out apartment in Covent Garden by 28/1/2026. Conveyancing on my purchase has just started. How realistic is it to complete in 5 weeks as don't want to have to move into temporary accommodation?
It is unwise to give notice on a rental until exchange of contracts has taken place. Assuming that you have not previously done so, notify to your solicitor and ask them to they seek the assistance the other side, try to an acceptable time-line that all parties will look to achieve
We're in Covent Garden, First time buyers buying with a mortgage (lender is Nationwide , and our lawyer is on the Nationwide conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Nationwide conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no lawyer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.
Various online forums that I have come across warn that are a common cause of stalling in Covent Garden conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure within the top 10 causes of hindrances during the legal transfer of property. Searches are not likely to feature in any slowing down conveyancing in Covent Garden.
I have justbecome aware that Arc property Solicitors have closed. They carried out my conveyancing in Covent Garden for a purchase of a freehold house 18 months ago. How can I establish that the property is registered correctly in the name of the former proprietor?
The quickest way to check if the premises is registered to you, you can carry out a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Covent Garden conveyancing specialists.
I am selling my house. My former solicitors have shut. It would be helpful to have a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Covent Garden if that makes things easier.
You should use our search tool to help you choose a solicitor for your conveyancing in Covent Garden. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with lender approved solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move runs smoothly.