My solicitor has uncovered a a legal deficiency with the lease for the flat we are buying in Southall. The seller’s lawyers have suggested title insurance as a workaround. We are happy with insurance and will pay for it. Our conveyancer has advised that he must check that the bank is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the lender?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the lender are the client. Your lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook provisions. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the mortgage company can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your conveyancer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
The deeds to my house can not be found. The solicitors who did the conveyancing in Southall 5 years ago no longer exist. What are my options?
Gone are the days when you need to have the physical deeds to establish that you are the owner of your registered land or premises, as the Land Registry hold details of all registered land or property electronically.
How does conveyancing in Southall differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Southall contact us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because new home sellers in Southall typically buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Southall or who has acted in the same development.
Am I right to be wary about estate agents that I am dealing with are recommending an internet conveyancing firm rather than a local Southall conveyancing practice?
As with many professional services, often referrals from relatives can be extremely useful or valuable. Yet there are lots of players in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, mortgage brokers and banks may suggest lawyers to retain. Sometimes the conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but sometimes there might be a financial incentive behind the recommendation. You are at liberty to choose your own lawyer. Don't forget that the majority of banks have an approved list of conveyancers you have to use for the lender related work in your home move.
I have been sourcing a conveyancing practitioner in Southall for my house move. Is it possible to check a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?
Members of the public may see documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from investigations from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors record, call 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator sometimes monitor call for training reasons.
I yesterday found out that one of the partners of the law firm undertaking the purchase conveyancing in Southall is is the mother of the vendor. Is this acceptable?
Provided no conflict arises this is allowable. If you are needing mortgage finance then the mortgage company may have a say as many banks have specific requirements on this. For example for Santander A&L as of 6/8/2026, the requirements read as follows :