My husband and I decided to purchase a newbuild apartment in Tadworth with a homeloan from Lloyds TSB Bank.We like our Tadworth conveyancing solicitor but Lloyds TSB Bank informed us she’s not on their "panel". we are left little option but to use a Lloyds TSB Bank panel lawyer or keep our local solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. The home loan issued to you is subject to its various provisions, one of which will be that solicitors needs to be on the Lloyds TSB Bank solicitor panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could find 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 lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Lloyds TSB Bank
A relative advised me that in buying a property in Tadworth there may be various restrictions prohibiting external alterations to a property. Is this right?
We are aware of anumerous of properties in Tadworth which have some sort of restriction or requirement of consent to carry out external changes. Part of the conveyancing in Tadworth should determine what restrictions are applicable and advising you as part of a ROT that should be sent to you.
I am expecting a OIP from Virgin Money this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Virgin Money recommend any Tadworth solicitors on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel, or is it better to find our own lawyer?
You will need to appoint Tadworth solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Virgin Money through the process.
The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Tadworth. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. In most cases complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.
Various web forums that I have visited warn that are the primary cause of stalling in Tadworth house deals. Is that correct?
The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the common causes of hindrances during the legal transfer of property. Searches are not likely to feature in any delay in conveyancing in Tadworth.
How does conveyancing in Tadworth differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Tadworth contact us having been asked by the seller to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because new home sellers in Tadworth usually buy the real estate, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Tadworth or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the advice of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Tadworth ahead of instructing lawyers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies may refuse to give a loan on such a house.
It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Halifax. If you e-mail us we can check with the appropriate bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Tadworth. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
My husband and I are first time buyers - had an offer accepted, but the agent has warned us that the seller will only go ahead if we use the agent's preferred solicitors as they need an ‘expedited deal’. We would rather use a high street conveyancer who is accustomed to conveyancing in Tadworth
We suspect that the owner is unaware of this demand. Should the seller desire ‘a quick sale', turning down a genuine buyer is likely to cause more damage than good. Speak to the vendors direct and make the point that (a)you are keen to buy (b)you are excited to move forward, with finances in place © you are chain free (d) you wish to move quickly (e)however you are going to appoint your preferred Tadworth conveyancing solicitors - rather thanthose that will earn the estate agent a introducer fee or achieve conveyancing targets pre-set by corporate headquarters.