The sellers of the house we are hoping to buy have instructed a conveyancing practitioner in Hoxton who has suggested a preliminary agreement with a deposit 10k. Are such contracts the norm for Hoxton conveyancing transactions?
This form of arrangement is not the norm in Hoxton, conveyancers are not keen on them as they detract from focusing on the main conveyancing focus and if you end up having your deposit forfeited then the solicitor is left exposed. Secondly, there is no assurance that just because the seller has executed an exclusivity contract they will sell to you. They may be inclined to break the contract if they receive a big enough incentive to do so because an aggrieved claimant with the benefit of a exclusivitycontract will still have to show losses as a consequence of the breach and these may not amount to the financial benefit that your vendor may obtain by breaking the contract, no matter how morally unworthy the behaviour is.
We are purchasing a property and require a conveyancing solicitor in Hoxton who is on the HSBC solicitor panel. Can you recommend a local solicitor?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for HSBC . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Hoxton.
Is it the case that all Hoxton solicitors on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel are overseen by the SRA?
As a firm of solicitors, in order to be on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel they would need to be overseen by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Many lenders do permit licenced conveyancers on their panel and in such a situation the practice would be regulated by the CLC.
We previously instructed conveyancers located in Hoxton on the TSB solicitor panel. They are now charging me a further charge for the legal aspects of the TSB mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by TSB?
As unfair as it may seem, as long as it’s in their Terms and Conditions or estimate then yes your solicitor is entitled to levy a fee for this. The charge is not set by TSB but by your Hoxton conveyancer. Numerous firms on the TSB panel will quote ’dealing with mortgage’ fee and others do not.
How can we know in advance if a Hoxton conveyancing solicitor on the Barclays panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Hoxton seeking recommendations is a sensible start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advocate that you speak with the lawyer conducting your transaction.
I opted to have a survey completed on a house in Hoxton ahead of appointing lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor advised that some banks will refuse to issue a mortgage on this type of house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Santander has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Hoxton. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing lawyer in Hoxton for my sale. Can I see a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public can find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes recorded call for training requirements.
My father-in-law mentioned that when selecting a conveyancing lawyer they must be approved by your lender. I am first time buyer with but I have an AIP via Virgin Money and I already have a local conveyancing lawyer in Hoxton at the ready. Will Nat West Bank insist on an approved conveyancer to be instructed? If so, where can I find that list for my conveyancing in Hoxton?
You need to choose a solicitor that is on the Nat West Bank panel. Simply telephone your chosen Hoxton conveyancing lawyer to check if they are on the Nat West Bank panel. If they are not approved you have a couple of alternatives open to you here:
- Complete the deal with your preferred Hoxton conveyancing practitioner but Nat West Bank will no doubt retain a conveyancing practitioner on their approved list. The net result is additional charges and potential frustration.
- Choose a new lawyer to act in the purchase, making sure they are on the Nat West Bank conveyancing panel.
- Appeal to your property lawyer to apply to join the lender panel.