My wife and I are purchasing a 1 bedroom apartment in Southborough with a mortgage. We have a Southborough conveyancer, however the bank advise she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have no option but to use one of the mortgage company panel solicitors or continue with our Southborough solicitor as well as pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This seems very unfair; are we not able to require that the mortgage company use our Southborough conveyancing practitioner ?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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. Another option that might be available is for your Southborough conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
Last November we completed a house move in Southborough. We have since encountered a number of problems with the property which we suspect were omitted in the conveyancing searches. Do we have any recourse? What searches should? have been conducted for conveyancing in Southborough?
It is not clear from the question as what problems have arisen and if they are relate to conveyancing in Southborough. Conveyancing searches and investigations initiated during the buying process are carried out to help avoid problems. As part of the process, a property owner fills in a questionnaire known as a SPIF. answers proves to be inaccurate, then you may have a claim against the seller for any losses that you have suffered. The survey should have identified any problems with the structure of the property. Assuming a detailed survey was carried out and the issues were not identified, you may have a claim against the surveyor. However, if you did not have a full survey, you may be responsible for fixing any defects that have now been noted. We would always encourage buyers to take every possible step to ensure they are completely aware of the condition of a property before purchase regardless of whether they are buying in Southborough.
I have Fifty Six years remaining on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Southborough. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions right?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 20/1/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I have been told that property searches are the main cause of hinderance in Southborough conveyancing transactions. Is this right?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the determinations of a review by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not figure amongst the common causes of hindrances in the conveyancing process. Searches are not likely to feature in any slowing down conveyancing in Southborough.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a straight forward, no chain conveyancing. Southborough is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Southborough are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Southborough you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your lender may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Southborough may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.
Am I better off to use a Southborough conveyancing solicitor who is local to the property I am hoping to buy? I have an old university friend who can conduct the legal formalities but they are based approximately 350miles drive away.
The primary upside of using a high street Southborough conveyancing practice is that you can drop in to sign paperwork, present your ID and pester them if necessary. They will also have local insight which is a benefit. That being said nothing is more important than finding someone that will do a good and efficient job. If if people you trust used your friend and the majority were content that must trump using an unknown Southborough conveyancing lawyer solely due to them being based in the area.