Can you clarify what the consequences are if my solicitor is suspended from the HSBC Conveyancing panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Little Mill?
The first thing to point out is that, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.
My wife and I purchased a terraced Edwardian property in Little Mill. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Virgin Money. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: the first freehold, another for leasehold under the matching address. Is it worth asking Virgin Money to clarify?
You should review the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Little Mill and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they remortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also question the situation with your conveyancing practitioner who carried out the work.
I decided to have a survey carried out on a house in Little Mill before retaining lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. Our surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend refuse to grant a loan on such a property.
It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Halifax. If you call us we can investigate further via the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Little Mill. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Little Mill especially if they are familiar with such properties in Little Mill.
I have been advised by a few selling agents in Little Mill to select a property lawyer using your seach tool. What’s the financial advantage for Estate Agents to promote your site over and above a competitor’s?
We refuse to make any referral fee for directing people to this site. We found it would be just too difficult to pay a commission as members of the public would think, ‘How come the agent getting a kickback? Why aren’t I getting any benefit too?’ So we decided to step away from that.
Am I best advised to choose a Little Mill conveyancing practitioner based in the area that I am buying? We have a good friend who can carry out the conveyancing but her office is approximately 350kilometers drive away.
The benefit of a local Little Mill conveyancing practice is that you can visit the firm to execute paperwork, present your ID and pester them where appropriate. Having local Little Mill know how is a plus. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If other friends have used your friend and on the whole were happy that must outweigh using an unfamiliar Little Mill conveyancing lawyer just because they are local.
I have miscalculated my finances and am a few grand short a 10% deposit on my house purchase in Little Mill , but I still want to go ahead. Do I have options?
You can accept a lesser deposit. Many property owners will accept a lesser deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.
You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last second