I am hoping to complete my purchase in South West London next Monday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the bank. What risks does the mortgage company expect the insurance to cover?
Any lawyer 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 Part 2 requirements. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in South West London.
We are planning to purchase with Norwich and Peterborough Building Society. We have called around locally yet am struggling to find a South West London conveyancing firm on the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society panel. Could you help?
Please do take advantage of the search tool on this site. Pick the lender and type South West London or your location and you will be presented with numerous conveyancers based in South West London or near you.
Do I choose a Licenced Conveyancer or Solicitor for conveyancing in South West London?
There are many recorded licenced Conveyancers in South West London and Solicitor firms in South West London who provide Conveyancing services It is important to make clear that the two are supervised by regulatory bodies with both specialising in the legal work in transferring property. Both can conduct associated property related work such as remortgage conveyancing, enfranchisement and transfer of equity conveyancing.
Is it the case that all South West London CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Aldermore conveyancing panel?
It is true that some lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitors wishing to remain on their panels.
We previously selected conveyancing lawyers based in South West London on the Aldermore solicitor approved list. They have just invoiced me a further fee for dealing with the Aldermore mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by Aldermore?
As unfair as it may appear, as long as it’s in their Terms and Conditions or Quote then yes your lawyer can charge a fee for this. This charge is not dictated by Aldermore but by your South West London solicitor. Some firms on the Aldermore panel will levy ’dealing with mortgage’ fee and others do not.
I decided to have a survey carried out on a property in South West London ahead of appointing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. My surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend refuse to give a loan on such a house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. If you contact us we can check with the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in South West London. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in South West London especially if they are accustomed to such properties in South West London.
Can you provide any top tips for leasehold conveyancing in South West London from the perspective of expediting the sale process?
- A significant proportion of the frustration in leasehold conveyancing in South West London can be reduced where you instruct lawyers the minute your agents start advertising the property and request that they start to put together the leasehold documentation needed by the purchasers’ solicitors. If you hold a share in a the Management Company, you should make sure that you have the original share document. Obtaining a new share certificate is often a lengthy process and slows down many a South West London conveyancing deal. Where a reissued share certificate is required, you should approach the company officers or managing agents (where relevant) for this as soon as possible. A minority of South West London leases require Landlord’s consent to the sale and approval of the buyers. If this is the case, you should notify your estate agents to make sure that the purchasers put in hand bank and professional references. Any bank reference should make it clear that the buyer is able to meet the yearly service charge and the actual amount of the service charge should be quoted in the bank’s letter. You will therefore need to provide your estate agents with the service charge figures so that they can pass this information on to the buyers or their lawyers. If you have had conflict with your freeholder or managing agents it is essential that these are resolved before the property is marketed. The buyers and their solicitors will be reluctant to purchase a flat where a dispute is unresolved. You will have to accept that you will have to discharge any arrears of service charge or settle the dispute prior to completion of the sale. It is therefore preferable to have any dispute settled ahead of the contract papers being issued to the buyers’ solicitors. You will still have to reveal particulars of the dispute to the purchasers, but it is better to present the dispute as over as opposed to unresolved. You believe that you know the number of years left on your lease but it would be wise to double-check by asking your solicitors. A buyer’s conveyancer will be unlikely to recommend their client to to exchange contracts if the lease term is less than 80 years. In the circumstances it is essential at an as soon as possible that you identify whether the lease for your property needs extending. If it does, contact your solicitors before you put your property on the market for sale.
I own a first floor flat in South West London. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the sum payable for the purchase of the freehold?
Absolutely. We can put you in touch with a South West London conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement matter before the tribunal for a South West London residence is 78 & 80 Newport Road in January 2013. the Tribunal concluded that the premium to be paid by the leaseholder in respect of the freehold reversion is £23,105 This case affected 2 flats. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 71.63 years.
My husband and I recently become aware that one of the directors of the conveyancing practice handling the purchase conveyancing in South West London is is the mother of the vendor. Is this acceptable?
As long as no conflict arises this is allowable. If you are obtaining a mortgage then the lender may have a say as many lenders have specific instructions concerning this. For example for Halifax as of 11/1/2026, the requirements read as follows :