Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer in Kempston is not on my bank's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of his work?
That would more than likely be an incorrect assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly plausible explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Where you are concerned you should simply call the Kempston conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.
About to place an offer on a leasehold flat in Kempston. The estate agents tell me that it is the norm for flats in Kempston to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am getting a mortgage with Accord Mortgages. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 69 years remaining.
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. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 25/5/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Kempston prior to appointing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor has said that some banks may refuse to issue a loan on such a house.
It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions for example to Nationwide. 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 Kempston. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Kempston to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
Taking into account that I will soon spend over three hundred thousand on a two bedroom apartment in Kempston I wish to talk to a conveyancer regarding thehome move prior to instructing the firm. Is this something that you can arrange?
We could not agree more - we would be happy to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you liaising with the lawyer due to be carrying out your conveyancing in Kempston.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is an important individual, not a matter number. The practices that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for your conveyancing in Kempston should be the figure that you end up paying.
Am I better off to instruct a Kempston conveyancing lawyer in close proximity to the house I am hoping to buy? We have a good friend who can perform the legal formalities but her office is over three hundred miles drive away.
The primary upside of using a high street Kempston conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to sign paperwork, deliver your identification documents and pester them if necessary. Having local Kempston know how is a benefit. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If other friends have used your friend and on the whole were happy that should surpass using an unfamiliar Kempston conveyancing lawyer just because they are round the corner.
I've found a house that appears to meet my requirements, at a great price which is making it more attractive. I have subsequently discovered that the title is leasehold as opposed to freehold. I am assuming that there are issues purchasing a leasehold house in Kempston. Conveyancing solicitors have are about to be instructed. Will they explain the issues?
Most houses in Kempston are freehold rather than leasehold. In this scenario it’s worth having a local conveyancer used to dealing with such properties who can assist with the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are buying in Kempston in which case you should be looking for a Kempston conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they are used to advising on leasehold houses. First you will need to check the unexpired lease term. As a tenant you will not be at liberty to do whatever you want with the house. The lease comes with conditions such as requiring the freeholder’sconsent to conduct alterations. It may be necessary to pay a maintenance charge towards the upkeep of the communal areas where the property is located on an estate. Your solicitor will appraise you on the various issues.
Leasehold Conveyancing in Kempston - Examples of Queries Prior to buying
-
Be sure to discover if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For example it is very common in Kempston leases that pets are not allowed in certain buildings in Kempston. If you love the propertyin Kempston yet your dog is not allowed to move with you then you will be faced difficult decision. What restrictions are contained in the Kempston Lease? Is the freehold owned jointly by the tenants?