In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Loughton? Why is this being asked of me?
To satisfy the Money Laundering Regulations any Loughton conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing transactions. This is normally satisfied by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility account showing your correct address.
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, property lawyers are obliged by law to check not simply the identity of conveyancing clients but also the source of monies that they receive in respect of any matter. Refusal to disclose this may result in your lawyer ending their retainer with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.
Your property lawyers will have an obligation to notify the appropriate authorities should they believe that any monies received by them may contravene the Money Laundering Regulations.
I have Fifty Six years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Loughton. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions correct?
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 6/2/2026 the requirements read as follows :
is it true that all Loughton solicitor practices on the Lloyds conveyancing panel are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?
As solicitors, in order to be on the Lloyds approved list of solicitors they would need to be overseen by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Many banks do permit licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such practice would be overseen by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.
My husband and I have organised a further advance on our mortgage from HSBC as we wish to carry out a loft conversion to our home in Loughton. Are we obliged to appoint a high street Loughton solicitor on the HSBC conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?
HSBC don't usually require a member of their conveyancing panel to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
My offer was accepted on a property in Loughton on 15/12/2025, valuation was booked five days later, received a clean bill of health. Conveyancer appointed, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Lloyds and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Lloyds conveyancing panel. Are Lloyds entitled to hold back the Mortgage pending the lawyer being on the approved list?
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 Lloyds to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Lloyds conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.
I have been told that property searches are the number one cause of stalling in Loughton conveyancing transactions. Is this right?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) released conclusions of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature within the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Searches are unlikely to feature in any holding up conveyancing in Loughton.
How does conveyancing in Loughton differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Loughton come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because developers in Loughton typically purchase the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancing solicitors as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Loughton or who has acted in the same development.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing practitioner in Loughton for my home move. Can I review a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?
Members of the public can read published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from inquisitions commenced on or after Jan 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. For information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's history, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could recorded call for training requirements.