I have just started taking steps with a view to transferring my domestic mortgage to a BTL Nationwide Building Society mortgage. I was told by my mortgage that I require a solicitor as part of the process. I spoke to my former Birmingham and the Black Country conveyancing solicitor who acted on my behalf when I originally bought the premises. The fee calculation e-mailed to me of £550 has surprised me as I am not require purchase conveyancing - it’s just a straightforward remortgage.

The costs illustration is slightly on the expensive side. If you are content to expend time scrutinising costs you may be able to decrease the fees slightly by perhaps £125. On the other hand, assuming were pleased with the conveyancing the firm provided you couldlive to regret choosing an an untested lawyer. Don't forget to enquire that the solicitor can act for Nationwide Building Society. You can make use of our search tool to find a Birmingham and the Black Country conveyancing firm on the Nationwide Building Society approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Please could you vouch for a Virgin Money accepted Birmingham and the Black Country conveyancing solicitor finish our home move within a very limited time frame? Would it be better to use a local Birmingham and the Black Country solicitor or a nationwide conveyancer?

We would be happy to suggest some excellent Birmingham and the Black Country conveyancing firms. You can also walk up the main road in Birmingham and the Black Country. Visit some well established firms and ask to speak with a conveyancing solicitor for a costs illustration. Mention your expectations together with the reasons and ask for a commitment on speed. Choose the lawyer that appears most efficient.

I am thinking of refinancing my apartment in Birmingham and the Black Country, does my lawyer need to be on the Nationwide Conveyancing panel?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Nationwide conveyancing panel, but Nationwide would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same conveyancing matter.

I need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Birmingham and the Black Country for my home move. Is there any facility to check a solicitor's record with the profession’s regulator?

You may find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may monitor call for training requirements.

Is there a reason that Birmingham and the Black Country conveyancing costs are more expensive for leasehold and freehold properties?

Leasehold conveyancing in Birmingham and the Black Country can involve additional work such as investigating the lease, liaising with the freeholder, obtaining up to date rent receipts, landlord’s consents, management company’s accounts amongst other tasks.