I am buying property in South Shields. My Conveyancer is not on the bank conveyancing panel. Is it possible for me to retain my South Shields conveyancing solicitor even though they are not on the mortgage company list of approved lawyers?
You must appoint a conveyancer to complete the legal work required when you take out a mortgage to purchase your property. They will conduct all the relevant legal checks on the property, ensuring that you will be registered as proprietor and ensure that all the required mortgage paperwork is dealt with. You may appoint a South Shields conveyancing practitioner of your choice. However, if the solicitor selected is not on the mortgage company conveyancing panel additional charges will be levied as separate legal representation will be need by the lender. Conveyancing panel applications may be submitted, so if your conveyancer has not in the past applied for membership they should take the chance to apply.
I am hoping to move into my new home in South Shields next Friday. My conveyancing practitioner now wants me to supply her with evidence of content and building insurance for the property as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the lender. What risks does the mortgage company expect the insurance to cover?
All property lawyers on acting for lenders would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. These requirements are not specific to conveyancing in South Shields.
What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in South Shields? Why is this being asked of me?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to check the identification documents of the potential client they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing instruction. The Terms of Engagement that you need to sign should reaffirm this. Your lender will also require certain documents to be checked. Where you refuse to provide identification documents, your conveyancer can not take you on as a client.
I am considering applying for a Co-operative mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in South Shields with 70% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Co-operative ?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Co-operative will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
I used Action Conveyancing a few years past for my conveyancing in South Shields. I now require my file but the law firm has closed. What do I do?
You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in South Shields of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
My father-in-law has recommend that I instruct his conveyancing solicitors in South Shields. Should I choose my own solicitor?
There are no two ways about it the ideal way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to seek feedback from friends or relatives who have actually previously instructed the conveyancer you're contemplating using.