I can't travel far from South Norwood. Can you please spell out why all South Norwood conveyancing practitioners aren't included on all bank panels?

Before the recession most banks displayed an attitude to risk which differs from the current day. The financial regulator in 2010 carried out a thematic review into property fraud which concluded: know the conveyancers on your panel. As a result, lenders have subsequently looked to extract more data from law firms concerning their operations and the staff who work for them and set certain criteria such as completing a minimum number of transactions. Hundreds of law practices have been excluded from lender panels even though they had 100% healthy track record, no complaints and zero claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Many firms were never going to meet the minimum volume of transactions the lenders set.

We are buying a 2 bedroom flat in South Norwood with a mortgage from Chelsea Building Society.We have a South Norwood conveyancing lawyer but Chelsea Building Society advised that his firm is not listed on their approved list of firms. We have to appoint a Chelsea Building Society panel firm or retain our local solicitor and fork out for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; Can we not simply insist that Chelsea Building Society use our lawyer?

Unfortunately,no. The home loan offered to you is subject to its various provisions, one of which will be that conveyancers will be on the Chelsea Building Society solicitor panel. Until recently, most mortgage companies had large numbers of solicitors 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. A further alternative is for your solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Chelsea Building Society

I am downsizing from my property. My past lawyers closed down. It would be helpful to have a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in South Norwood if that affects matters.

Please use our search tool to help you find a solicitor for your conveyancing in South Norwood. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with regulated solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes with a minimum of fuss.

I have just started marketing my ground floor apartment in South Norwood. Conveyancing solicitors are to be appointed soon, however I have just received a half-yearly maintenance charge demand – Do I pay up?

Your conveyancing lawyer is likely to suggest that you should discharge the invoice as normal given that all ground rent and maintenance invoices should be apportioned on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the purchaser for the period running from after the completion date to the subsequent invoice date. Most management companies will not acknowledge the buyer until the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

I inherited a second floor flat in South Norwood. In the absence of agreement between myself and the freeholder, can the Leasehold valuation Tribunal make a decision on the premium due for the purchase of the freehold?

Absolutely. We are happy to put you in touch with a South Norwood conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a South Norwood flat is Flats 55, 67 & 70 Melbourne Court Anerley Road in July 2013. The tribunal calculated that the premium for the extended lease at £48,366.00 for at 55, and £88,329.00 for ats 67 and 70 combined. This case related to 1 flat. The unexpired residue of the current lease was 26.38 years.

Been looking for a lawyer for leasehold sale conveyancing in South Norwood. We are selling, uncomplicated no mortgage to discharge, no hurry, no onward purchase. Had a quote from a lawyer for £900 plus VAT which is a tad high considering its so straightforward. Can I pay less for conveyancing in South Norwood?

Considering it’s a sale only, £500 + VAT is likely to be about the best for sale conveyancing in South Norwood.