My wife and I are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Elmstead with a mortgage. We wish to retain our Elmstead solicitor, but the mortgage company advise he's not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to select one of the bank panel solicitors or continue with our Elmstead lawyer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you 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. A further alternative is for your Elmstead conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I have 70 years left on my lease and need a lease extension for my apartment in Elmstead. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions correct?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 29/9/2025 the requirements read as follows :
What will a local search tell me concerning the property we're purchasing in Elmstead?
Elmstead conveyancing often starts with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or via a personal search organisations for instance Onsearch The local search is essential in every Elmstead conveyancing purchase; that is if you wish to avoid any unpleasant once you have moved into your new home. The search should supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications relevant to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 topic sections.
I used Wolstenholmes several years past for my conveyancing in Elmstead. I now require my papers but cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Elmstead of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
Is there anything unique about your site and other web based conveyancing solicitors for conveyancing in Elmstead?
At this site get an accurate quote via a Solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer that has a full understanding of the nuances for your conveyancing in Elmstead. As opposed to estate agents and brokerage sites we do not operate kick-back arrangements with solicitors. Some agents and online brokers 'recommend' solicitors paying the most kickback, not the best value conveyancing in Elmstead
I am attracted to a couple of apartments in Elmstead both have in the region of forty five years remaining on the lease term. should I be concerned?
A lease is a right to use the premises for a period of time. As the lease gets shorter the marketability of the lease reduces and results in it becoming more costly to extend the lease. This is why it is advisable to extend the lease term. Sometimes it is difficult to sell a property with a short lease because mortgage companies may be reluctant to lend money on such properties. Lease extension can be a difficult process. We recommend you get professional help from a solicitor and surveyor with experience in this arena.
I have had difficulty in trying to purchase the freehold in Elmstead. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal adjudicate on premiums?
Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a Elmstead conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Elmstead property is 70 Andace Park Gardens 133-149 Widmore Road in November 2013. Tribunal determined that the premium payable for the lease extension was £10,052 This case was in relation to 1 flat. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 72 years.