I am hoping to move into my new home in Stoke Gifford next Friday. My property lawyer 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?
Any lawyer on acting for banks 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 instructions. These requirements are not limited to conveyancing in Stoke Gifford.
Why do I have to pay up front for my conveyancing in Stoke Gifford?
If you are buying a property in Stoke Gifford your solicitor will request that you place them with funds to cover the search fees. Generally this is asked for to cover the fees of the conveyancing searches. When the deposit is as part of the total price then this will be needed immediately prior to contracts are exchanged. The final balance that is needed should be sent to your lawyer a couple of days prior to the day of completion.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Stoke Gifford. My lender is Accord Mortgages
Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 5/2/2026, the requirements read as follows :
I used Stirling Law a few years ago for my conveyancing in Stoke Gifford. Now, I need my files however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
Do contact 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 Stoke Gifford 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.
Over the last few months I have been searching for a leasehold apartment up to £235,500 and found one round the corner in Stoke Gifford I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, however it only has 51 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Stoke Gifford for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake buying a short lease?
If you need a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be an issue. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you can ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this matter.
I was recommended by numerous selling agents in Stoke Gifford to find a solicitor on your site. Is there a financial advantage for Estate Agents to offer your lawyers ahead of another?
We refuse to make any financial incentive for pointing buyers and sellers our way. We thought it would be too underhand to pay a commission because members of the public would think, ‘Why is the agent getting a kickback? Why am I not receiving any benefit too?’ We would prefer to grow our business on genuine recommendations.