AssumingI were to acquire a simple residential propertyin Hanley for cash and dispense with a survey and no local authority searches how much could I expect to to save on my conveyancing in Hanley?
The only saving you would make on is the Hanley conveyancing searches. The conveyancing practitioner is required to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, correspond with the vendors conveyancing practitioner, stamp duty submission, register the title etc. A slight saving might be made by not needing to register a charge however it won't be significant.
I have been told that property searches are the number one cause of stalling in Hanley house deals. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature within the top 10 causes of hindrances in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to be the root cause of holding up conveyancing in Hanley.
I used Stirling Law a few years ago for my conveyancing in Hanley. I now require my papers but the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?
You should call 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 Hanley of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously used, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Hanley prior to retaining lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor advised that some lenders may not grant a loan on such a premises.
It depends who your proposed lender is. HSBC has different instructions from Halifax. Should you wish to call us we can investigate further with the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Hanley. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing lawyer in Hanley for my home move. Is there any facility to check a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?
You can read published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from investigations commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may monitor call for training purposes.
I recently become aware that one of the directors of the firm handling the purchase conveyancing in Hanley is an aunty of the seller. Is this allowed?
Provided no conflict arises this is permitted. If you are obtaining a mortgage then the lender may have a say as many lenders have specific requirements on this. For example for HSBC as of 7/8/2025, the requirements read as follows :