Please explain the implications if my lawyer’s firm is expelled from the Lloyds Solicitor panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Rochester?
The first thing to point out is that, this is very unlikely to happen. 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.
Various internet forums that I have visited warn that are the main reason for hinderance in Rochester conveyancing transactions. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the top 10 causes of delays during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Rochester.
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Rochester before retaining solicitors. I have been told that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. The surveyor advised that some lenders will refuse to give a loan on a flying freehold property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you call us we can check via the appropriate mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Rochester. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Rochester to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
I'm converting the mortgage on my existing property to a buy to let loan with Alliance & Leicester and I will use the rest of the raised equity towards a second house. The neighborhood we are talking about is Rochester. Will your solicitors be able to act for both sets of mortgage companies and tie in the transactions?
Do use our comparison tool on this site to be sure that the solicitors are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are the solicitor should be able to connect the two conveyancing matters but you should talk with you lawyer and communicate your expectations and needs.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing practitioner in Rochester for my house move. Is it possible to review a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?
One can find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations arising from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find information Pre 2008, or to check a firm's record, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA may monitor telephone calls for training requirements.
I have checked your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the mortgage company conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the mortgage company approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?
Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the mortgage company conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the mortgage company solicitor panel.