Me and my partner are buying a 3 bedroom apartment in Windlesham with a mortgage. We like our Windlesham solicitor, however the mortgage company says he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel firms or retain our Windlesham property lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
Unfortunately,no. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose 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 Windlesham conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I have an AIP. The lender mentioned the loan came with free conveyancing. Is the implication that I have to use their panel solicitor as I would prefer to instruct a local conveyancing solicitor in Windlesham?
You should check but the chances are that appoint one of their panel lawyers if you accept the "fee-free" deal. Call the lender to see if they offer you a cash alternative. In the past a few lenders offered a £250 cashback as a further option in which case you could put that amount towards your preferred conveyancing solicitor near Windlesham.
I require quick conveyancing in Windlesham as I have a deadline to complete in less than 2 weeks. A mortgage is not required. Is it possible to escape the need for conveyancing searches to save fees and time?
If.Given you are not getting a mortgage you have the choice not to do searches although no lawyer would suggest that you don't. With lots of history conveyancing in Windlesham the following are examples of what can be revealed and therefore affect market value: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Fees, Overdue Grants, Unadopted Roads,...
I opted to have a survey carried out on a house in Windlesham ahead of retaining lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. The surveyor has said that some banks may not issue a mortgage on this type of house.
It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can check with the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Windlesham. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Windlesham to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.
I wish to let out my leasehold flat in Windlesham. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Is permission from the freeholder required?
A small minority of properties in Windlesham do contain a provision to say that subletting is only allowed with permission. The landlord is not entitled to unreasonably withhold but, in such cases, they would need to review references. Experience dictates that problems are usually caused by unsatisfactory tenants rather than owner-occupiers and for that reason you can expect the freeholder to take up the references and consider them carefully before granting permission.
Windlesham Leasehold Conveyancing - Sample of Queries before Purchasing
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How many of the leaseholders are in arrears for their service charge payments? Who takes charge for maintaining and repairing the building? Is there a share of the freehold?
My husband and I recently found out that one of the partners of the firm acting on the purchase conveyancing in Windlesham is an uncle of the vendor. Is this acceptable?
As long as there is no conflict of interest this is allowable. If you are needing mortgage finance then the mortgage company may have a say as many banks have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Barclays plc as of 12/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :