We are purchasing a 1 bedroom flat in Slough with a mortgage. We like our Slough solicitor, but the lender says he's not on their "panel". It seems we have little option but to use one of the mortgage company panel firms or keep our Slough solicitor and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This feels very unfair; can we not require that the lender use our Slough solicitor ?
Unfortunately,no. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your Slough conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
At what point does exchange of contracts occur in domestic conveyancing in Slough and do I need to attend the lawyers office?
If you are in close proximity to one of the conveyancing solicitors in Slough you are welcome to come in to sign the paperwork. However, the lender approved solicitors we recommend supply countrywide coverage for conveyancing and provide just as comprehensive and professional a job for you when dealing with you by post or email. The signing of the contract is not the point of no return. A signed contract simply enables the solicitor to exchange contracts when the time is right, which will usually be very shortly after signing. The procedure is is usually a five minute process, although where a long "chain" is involved, since the process requires the relevant party's solicitor (not necessarily a conveyancing solicitor in Slough)to be in the office at the appropriate time.
Do I need to pop into the offices of the solicitor to sign the legal charge? If so, I will choose one who does conveyancing in Slough so that I can attend their offices if necessary.
Most conveyancing panel lawyers for banks undertake all of the work via Royal Mail, internet or over the phone. This enables them to undertake the conveyancing transaction no matter where you live in England or Wales. That being said you should check if you have the option of attending the offices of your conveyancing lawyer if needed.
We had selected conveyancers with offices in Slough on the Nottingham solicitor panel. They have just invoiced me a further amount for the legal aspects of the Nottingham mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee set by Nottingham?
Provided it is contained in their Terms of Engagement or estimate then yes your property lawyer can levy a fee for this. The charge is not dictated by Nottingham but by your Slough conveyancing practitioner. Some firms on the Nottingham panel will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee but many firms include it on their overall fee.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Slough off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Leeds Building Society. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Leeds Building Society, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel.
The mortgage over my property is with Virgin Money for my property in Slough. Conveyancing has been completed a year ago. In the event that I decide to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform Virgin Money?
Virgin Money must be informed of your intention prior to renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Virgin Money’s mortgage conditions. It may be that Virgin Money will allow you to rent out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Virgin Money directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Virgin Money conveyancing panel solicitor.
Hoping to buy a property located in Slough and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Slough. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Slough area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?
Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Slough. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found
My father-in-law has suggested that I instruct his conveyancing solicitors in Slough. Should I choose my own solicitor?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Slough conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to seek recommendations from friends or relatives who have actually experience in using the conveyancer that you are contemplating using.