Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer in Petersfield is not on my bank's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?
That is more than likely an incorrect assumption to make. There are plenty of reasonable 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 most common reasons for removal are: (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 contact the Petersfield conveyancing firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for your lender.
I am only a couple days away from an exchange on a property in Petersfield and my parents have transferred the exchange deposit to my conveyancer. I am now told that as the deposit has not arrived from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender. I am advised that, in also acting for the mortgage company he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I informed the mortgage company concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really appropriate for him to raise this?
Your property lawyer is legally required to clarify with the bank to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. The solicitor can only report this to your bank if you permit them to, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
We're in Petersfield, FTBs buying with a mortgage (lender is Aldermore , and our solicitor is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel). How long should the conveyancing process take?
The fact that your lawyer is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel is a help. It would almost certainly delay matters if they were not. However, no lawyer should guarantee a timeframe for your conveyancing, due to third parties outside of your control such as delays caused by lenders,conveyancing search providers or by the other side’s solicitors. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in a chain.
My wife and I have a terraced Georgian property in Petersfield. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Nationwide Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold with the matching address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??
You should read the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Petersfield and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with buyers. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who carried out the work.
I am looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Petersfield for my home move. Can I see a firm’s record with the legal regulator?
One may see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions arising from investigations started on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. International callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may monitor telephone calls for training requirements.
I am due to review costs for conveyancing in Petersfield from numerous conveyancer and appoint one. Am I right to tell them to hold tight until I have found somewhere to purchase.
You should wait to get your solicitor to open a file and apply for searches once the offer has been accepted on the property particularly as Petersfield conveyancing searches are costly.