I was advised recently by my broker that my Godalming lawyer is not on the mortgage company Solicitor panel. What can I do to be sure whether this is correct?
Your first step should be to call your Godalming conveyancer. You lawyer should advise you of the situation. If they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the approved list of lawyers for your lender.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Godalming. The selling agents advise that it is normal for flats in Godalming to have less than 75 years remaining. I am obtaining a mortgage with Virgin. Is this going to be acceptable if the lease has 70 years to go.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 22/2/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I used Stirling Law a few years ago for my conveyancing in Godalming. Now, I need my documents however the law firm has closed. What do I do?
You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing 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 Godalming of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously retained, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
How does conveyancing in Godalming differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Godalming contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because developers in Godalming usually acquire the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Godalming or who has acted in the same development.
I decided to have a survey done on a house in Godalming prior to instructing solicitors. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the property. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will refuse to grant a loan on such a house.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check with the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Godalming. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Godalming especially if they are familiar with such properties in Godalming.
What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Godalming conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
When appointing a solicitor for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Godalming conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We recommend that you make enquires with two or three firms including non Godalming conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be useful:
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What volume of lease extensions have they carried out in Godalming in the last year? What are the costs for lease extension conveyancing?
Leasehold Conveyancing in Godalming - A selection of Queries Prior to buying
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The best form of lease structure is a share of the freehold. In this situation the leaseholders have being in charge if their destiny and although a managing agent is frequently retained where the building is larger than a house conversion, the managing agent retained by the leaseholders. Does the lease include onerous restrictions? Make sure you enquire if the the lease includes any adverse restrictions in the lease. For instance it is fairly common in Godalming leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Godalming. If you like the flatin Godalming but your dog can’t live with you then you will be faced hard decision.