We were just about to sign contracts for a freehold house in Victoria Docks. We encountered a stumbling block. Our loan offer with HSBC Bank runs out on 31/12/2025 but the sellers are insisting on a completion date of 5/1/2026. Is it possible to prolong the mortgage expiry date?
The best person to deal with your question is your conveyancer who will determine if he or she is should be discussing with the mortgage broker, seller’s solicitors, selling agents or possibly all parties taking into account the circumstances your transaction to date.
My fiance and I wish to acquire a 1 bedroom flat in Victoria Docks with a loan from Barnsley Building Society.We would like to retain our Victoria Docks conveyancing solicitor but Barnsley Building Society advised that she’s not listed on their "panel". We have to appoint a Barnsley Building Society panel solicitor or keep our high street solicitor and pay for a Barnsley Building Society panel lawyer to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; Can we not simply insist that Barnsley Building Society use our lawyer?
No, not really. The mortgage offered to you contains terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers needs to be on the Barnsley Building Society solicitor panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of solicitors 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 solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Barnsley Building Society
I have recentlyfound out that Action Conveyancing have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Victoria Docks for a purchase of a leasehold flat 9 months ago. How can I check that my home is in my name in the name of the former proprietor?
The quickest way to check if the premises is in your name, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Victoria Docks conveyancing specialists.
Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on last month in what should have been a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Victoria Docks is where the house is located. What do you suggest?
Flying freeholds in Victoria Docks are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Victoria Docks you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Victoria Docks may determine 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 residence.
My partner has encouraged me to use his conveyancers in Victoria Docks. Should I choose my own solicitor?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Victoria Docks conveyancing lawyer the best way to select a conveyancing lawyer is to have recommendations from friends or relatives who have experience in using the conveyancer that you are contemplating using.
My fiance and I yesterday found out that one of the directors of the conveyancing practice acting on the purchase conveyancing in Victoria Docks is an aunty of the vendor. Is this permitted?
Provided no conflict arises this is permitted. If you are requiring a mortgage then the lender may have a say as many lenders have specific requirements on this. For example for Coventry Building Society as of 31/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :