We see that you have a post code search directory listing firms on the HSBC conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I instruct them for our conveyancing in Oldham?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the HSBC conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Oldham.
Are the BSA planning on creating a online directory to list law firms on the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society conveyancing panel for example in Oldham?
We are not aware of any plans on the part of the BSA to promote such a tool.
I am helping my step-mother sell her property in Oldham. Will the conveyancing solicitor commission the energy assessment or do I organise this?
After the abolition of Home Information Packs, energy performance certificates was kept a required component of moving house. An energy assessment should be to hand prior to the property being placed on the market. It is not as aspect of the sale process that lawyers normally arrange. Where you are instructing a Oldham conveyancing solicitor they might be able to arrange EPC’s given their relationships with reputable Oldham providers
We have agreed to purchase a house in Oldham. 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 check the formal instructions outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Clydesdale. The CML Handbook contains minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Clydesdale where a lease does not satisfy these provisions. The requirements relate to the installation of panels on properties countrywide and is not isolated to Oldham.
The formalities of my purchase has taken place for my property in Oldham. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
Most banks and building societies have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. In most cases complaints to a lender are resolved very quickly. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.
How does conveyancing in Oldham differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Oldham approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because house builders in Oldham typically buy the real estate, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Oldham or who has acted in the same development.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold element on a house I have offered on last month in what was supposed to be a quick, no chain conveyancing. Oldham is the location of the property. Is there any advice you can impart?
Flying freeholds in Oldham are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Oldham you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Oldham may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold property.
How and when do I cover the costs of stamp duty payable for my Oldham house purchase?
The property lawyer will fill out a Land Transaction Return Form for you during your Oldham conveyancing transaction for you to sign. After completion your lawyer will submit your Land Transaction application to the Tax Authorities and - assuming they have the money - settle any land tax due on your behalf.