My wife and I are intending to buy a 1 bedroom flat in Hanwell with a mortgage. We like our Hanwell conveyancer, but the bank says he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel firms or retain our Hanwell solicitor as well as pay for one of their panel ones to act for them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer 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. Another option that might be available is for your Hanwell conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
Can the conveyancing solicitors that you recommend execute conveyancing in Hanwell by way of an attended exchange?
We do have a number of conveyancing specialists carrying out 24hr exchanges. You should call us to secure a fee calculation and details as to dates.
I purchased a freehold residence in Hanwell but nevertheless charged rent, why is this and what is this?
It’s unusual for properties in Hanwell and has limited impact for conveyancing in Hanwell but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.
Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges post 1977.
Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence after 2037 is to be extinguished.
I have just over seventy years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Hanwell. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions right?
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 15/11/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Various online forums that I have frequented warn that are the primary reason for stalling in Hanwell conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Searches are unlikely to be the root cause of slowing down conveyancing in Hanwell.
My mother and father are having difficulties in finding their Hanwell property on the HM Land Registry online search facility. They recall that back in the 60’s when they purchased the property there were complications concerning the address not being recognised in some systems.
The vast majority of residences in Hanwell should be revealed. Have you tried a search to simply the postcode. Normally it should mention all the premises inside that postcode. Assuming the property is registered it will show up with a title number. Where they bought back in the 60’s it's conceivable it may be unrecorded. The property might still be revealed but with the title number identified as 'na'. In this scenario you will need to find the original title deeds which could be with your parent’s bank.