I am expecting a mortgage with Nat West. My intention is to use a Licensed Conveyancer in Woolwich. Does the Nat West Solicitor panel allow for Licensed Conveyancers?
The Nat West approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.
Our lawyer has identified a defect with the lease for the apartment we are purchasing in Woolwich. The other side have suggested title insurance as a solution. We are content with insurance and will pay for it. Our solicitor has advised that he must check that the mortgage company is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the bank?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the bank are the client. Your property lawyer must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the mortgage company can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. 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.
I am about to put a bid on a leasehold property in Woolwich. The property agents say that it is standard for flats in Woolwich to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am obtaining a loan with Chelsea Building Society. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 72 years unexpired.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 28/4/2024 the requirements read as follows :
I am due to move house in May. Will my conveyancing solicitor communicate with the removal company on the day of completion. Incidentally, can you recommend a removal company in Woolwich. Conveyancing solicitor was organised prior to coming across this page.
On the afternoon of completion you can pick up the house keys from your selling agent however this can only occur after the previous owners solicitors advise the agent that they have the completion monies and the keys can be released. Subsequently you should advise the removal company that they can start moving you in. As a matter of policy we do not recommend a specific removal company but can assist you in locating a conveyancing in Woolwich or a legal practice that specialises in conveyancing in Woolwich.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Woolwich. I have a mortgage offer with Santander. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Santander, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Santander conveyancing panel.
My offer was accepted on a house in Woolwich on 6/3/2024, valuation was booked 3 days later, all came back fine. Solicitor appointed, so all that was missing was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Clydesdale and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?
A lender would not issue a mortgage until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Clydesdale to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Clydesdale conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.
I used Wolstenholmes a few years past for my conveyancing in Woolwich. Now, I need my files however cannot find the solicitor. What do I do?
You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Woolwich of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.