I was informed today by my estate agent that my Lewisham the law firm I have appointed is not on the mortgage company Solicitor panel. What can I do to check?
Your first step should be to call your Lewisham lawyer directly. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to advise you of the situation. If they are not on the panel they may recommend you to a Lewisham conveyancing firm that is on the approved list of lawyers for your lender.
I own a freehold residence in Lewisham yet invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?
It is rare for properties in Lewisham and has limited impact for conveyancing in Lewisham 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 creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.
Old rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 will be extinguished.
My wife and I are purchasing a house in Lewisham. It might be a silly question but how we can trust a conveyancer? At some point we have to send our life savings into their account. What is the protection we have from them run away with our monies?
Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.
I am purchasing a property in Lewisham. One unusual aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Clydesdale have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?
As your lender is Clydesdale your lawyer must follow the formal instructions outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Clydesdale. The CML Handbook includes minimum conditions for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Clydesdale where a lease does not comply with these conditions. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not restricted to Lewisham.
I was told four weeks ago that my mortgage has been agreed to by Leeds Building Society. Is it usual for Leeds Building Society to only issue the offer once my solicitor in Lewisham is approved on their conveyancing panel? Leeds Building Society have asked my solicitor to see a copy of their Professional Indemnity Insurance Schedule.
Mortgage companies tend not to not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Leeds Building Society to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Lewisham ahead of instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will refuse to give a mortgage on this type of property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can look into this further with the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Lewisham. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
In scouring the web for the term cheap conveyancing in Lewisham it shows results of many conveyancersin the area. How do I determine which is the right property lawyer for me?
The best way of choosing the right conveyancer is via personal testimonial, so ask friends and those you trust who have acquired a property in Lewisham or the reputable estate agent or financial adviser. Costs for conveyancing in Lewisham vary, so it's a good idea to secure at least four estimates from different law firms. Dont forget to clarify what costs in the quote includes.
I am purchasing a house with all finances in place. I have provided conveyancer with two separate forms of photographic identification, bank statement, numerous utility bills. Now he wants a copy from a probate lawyer stating that the money is in order and that it has come from inheritance and not via illegitimate means.
In today’s world you will not be able to complete any Lewisham conveyancing transaction without first providing evidence of your identity to your lawyers. This usually takes the form of a either your passport or driving licence and a utility bill. Remember if you are providing your driving licence as evidence of ID it must be both the paper part and photo card part, one is not acceptable without the other. Establishing of your source of funds is required under Money Laundering Regulations.