I have just started taking steps with the aim of swapping over from my existing standard mortgage to a Buy to Let Chelsea Building Society mortgage. The bank has said that I require a lawyer as part of the process. I spoke to the same Stowmarket conveyancing firm who acted on my behalf when I originally purchased the property. The fee calculation e-mailed to me of £550 is surprising as I am not require purchase conveyancing - it’s simply a bog-standard refinance.
The estimate fees appear a bit high. If you shop around you might decrease the fees marginally by perhaps £125. On the other hand, assuming were pleased with the legal work the firm provided you maycome to rue opting for an an unknown solicitor. Remember to be sure that the solicitor can also act for Chelsea Building Society. You can use our search tool to choose a Stowmarket conveyancing firm on the Chelsea Building Society member panel, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Stowmarket.
I have 7378 less than 75 years remaining on my lease and require a lease extension for my flat in Stowmarket. Conveyancing solicitors on the Accord Mortgages 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. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 30/4/2026 the requirements read as follows :
We had chosen solicitors based in Stowmarket on the Virgin Money solicitor panel. They are now charging me a supplemental amount for dealing with the Virgin Money mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee set by Virgin Money?
Provided it is contained in their Terms of Engagement or estimate then yes your lawyer is entitled to levy a fee for this. The charge is not set by Virgin Money but by your Stowmarket property lawyer. Plenty of firms on the Virgin Money panel will levy ’dealing with mortgage’ fee but plenty of firms incorporate it on their overall fee.
We have agreed to purchase a house in Stowmarket. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Barclays be concerned?
Given that your lender is Barclays your lawyer must comply with the formal instructions outlined in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Barclays. The CML Handbook contains minimum requirements for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Barclays where a lease fails to meet these conditions. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not restricted to Stowmarket.
I can not work out if my mortgage offer requires a lease extension. I have telephoned my Stowmarket bank branch on numerous occasions and was told they are content with the situation and they will lend. My Stowmarket conveyancing solicitor - who is on the mortgage company conveyancing panel- called to say that they refuse to lend based on their published requirements. Who do I believe?
Provided that the property lawyer is on the lender panel, she or he must follow the CML Handbook provisions for the lender. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the lender to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.
I am buying a new build house in Stowmarket with a loan from Aldermore. The sellers would not budge the price so I negotiated £7000 of additionals instead. The sale representative advised me not disclose to my conveyancer about the extras as it would put at risk my loan with the lender. Should I keep quiet?.
All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the developer of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.
Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.
Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.
I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Stowmarket prior to appointing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. The surveyor advised that some banks may refuse to issue a mortgage on this type of house.
It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further via the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Stowmarket. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
My father has suggested that I use his conveyancing solicitors in Stowmarket. Should I use them?
No doubt it’s preferable to choose a conveyancing lawyer is to get guidance from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the conveyancer you're are thinking of instructing.