Just been in touch with my conveyancing solicitor in Edge Hill who completed the legal work 18 months ago and wanted a conveyancing quote based on the same type of house move (a leasehold property and a freehold property) of almost identical values with a loan from Godiva Mortgages Ltd. I am now being charged twice the amount. Am I right to be tempted to shop around for an alternative firm of conveyancing solicitor?
The estimate does seem a little steep. Where you are willing to expend time scrutinising prices you may be able to decrease the fees slightly by say a hundred pounds. That being said, providing that you were satisfied with the service the firm offered you maylive to rue choosing an an untested lawyer. Don't forget to check the solicitor can also act for Godiva Mortgages Ltd. Do use our search tool to choose a Edge Hill conveyancing firm on the Godiva Mortgages Ltd member panel, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Edge Hill.
Due to complete my purchase in Edge Hill next Monday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the bank. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on acting for lenders would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook instructions. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in Edge Hill.
In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Edge Hill? Why is this being asked of me?
Edge Hill conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers accross the UK have a duty under money laundering regulations to check the identity of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.
Conveyancing clients are required to supply two forms of certified ID; proof of identity (typically a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Bank Statement no more than three months).
Confirmation of source of monies is also necessary under the money laundering laws as conveyancers are mandated to check that the funds you are utilising to buy a property (be it the exchange deposit or the total purchase price where you are buying without a mortgage) has come from a reputable source (such as employment savings) rather than the fruits of criminal activity.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Edge Hill. My lender is Platform
Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 11/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :
A relative advised me that where I am buying in Edge Hill I should carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. What does it cover?
A search of this type is sometimes included in the estimate for your Edge Hill conveyancing searches. It is a large document of more than thirty pages, listing and setting out important information about Edge Hill around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Edge Hill Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime statistics, Local Education with maps and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful information about Edge Hill.
I've recently bought a leasehold flat in Edge Hill. Do I have any liability for service charges for periods before my ownership?
Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous owner and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. A critical element of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to ensure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.
If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).
Edge Hill Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider before buying
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Who takes charge for maintaining and repairing the block? How much is the ground rent and service charge? Does the lease contain onerous restrictions?