The Totteridge conveyancing firm handling our Totteridge conveyancing has spotted a difference when comparing the information in the valuation survey and what is revealed within the title deeds. My lawyer has advised that he must check that the lender is happy with this discrepancy and is content to go ahead. Is my conveyancer’s stance correct?
Your conveyancing practitioner must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements which do require that your lawyer disclose any incorrect assumptions in the lender’s valuation report and the legal papers. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
It is 10 years ago since I acquired my house in Totteridge. Conveyancing solicitors have now been instructed on the sale but I can't track down the title documents. Will this jeopardise the sale?
You need not be too concerned. First the deeds may be with your mortgage company or they may be in the possession of the conveyancers who oversaw your purchase. Secondly the chances are that the property will be registered at the land registry and you will be able to prove you own the property by your conveyancing lawyers obtaining up to date copy of the land registers. Nearly all conveyancing in Totteridge relates to registered property but in the rare situation where your property is unregistered it adds to the complexity but is resolvable.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance for my purchase of a house in Totteridge. My lender is Chelsea Building Society
Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 16/1/2026, the requirements read as follows :
There are a variety of conveyancing solicitors in Totteridge but how do I know who I should use?
Do not opt for the lowest Totteridge conveyancing fees. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to property lawyers. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.
I have a mortgage with Skipton for my property in Totteridge. Conveyancing has been completed a year ago. In the event that I decide to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a BTL mortgage or inform Skipton?
Your original mortgage agreement with Skipton will provide that you need their approval prior to renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Skipton’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will permit you to let out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Skipton directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Skipton conveyancing panel lawyer.
After shopping around on the internet I have found a Totteridge property lawyer having made sure that they are on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?
Leeds Building Society will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Leeds Building Society will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. You may wish to consider appointing your own Totteridge surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.
I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and found one close by in Totteridge I like with amenity areas and station nearby, the downside is that it's only got 52 years on the lease. There is not much else in Totteridge for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?
Should you need a home loan the shortness of the lease may be an issue. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you can request that they commence the lease extension formalities and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer regarding this matter.
My father-in-law has recommend that I appoint his lawyers for conveyancing in Totteridge. Should I choose my own conveyancer?
No doubt the best way to select a conveyancing solicitor is to have referrals from friends or family who have experience in using the firm that you are are thinking of instructing.