We are purchasing a 2 bedroom flat in Bishopsworth with a mortgage. We like our Bishopsworth lawyer, however the lender advise she’s not on their "panel". It appears that we have no choice but to select one of the lender panel conveyancing practices or retain our Bishopsworth property lawyer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. We feel that this is inequitable; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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 Bishopsworth conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

I am only a couple days away from an exchange on a property in Bishopsworth and my mum and dad have transferred the exchange deposit to my conveyancer. I am now informed that as the deposit has not arrived from me my property lawyer needs to disclose this to my bank. Apparently, in also acting for the mortgage company he must advise them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I disclosed to the lender regarding my parents' contribution when I applied for the home loan, so is it really necessary for this now to hold matters up?

Your lawyer is legally required to clarify with the bank to make sure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own resources. Your solicitor can only reveal this to your mortgage company if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.

About to place an offer on a leasehold property in Bishopsworth. The estate agents tell me that it is standard for flats in Bishopsworth to have less than 75 years remaining. I am taking out a mortgage with Virgin. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has Seventy One years unexpired.

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Virgin have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 2/10/2025 the requirements read as follows :

How does conveyancing in Bishopsworth differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Bishopsworth contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is finished. This is because house builders in Bishopsworth typically buy the land, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Bishopsworth or who has acted in the same development.

We are soon to buying a flat in Bishopsworth. Conveyancing is not yet done but we would like have our transaction price private from sites such as Zoopla. How do I ensure this is not revealed?

HMLR as a matter of law bound to reveal price paid information on the official title for domestic properties nationwide including premises in Bishopsworth. The register of ownership is a public document, so HMLR would be breaking the law if they failed to permit access to the register.

You can make a request of HMLR to withhold the amount paid data however the answer will be a No.