Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with UBS. Blackheath conveyancing practitioners have been chosen. How long does it take for UBS to issue the offer to the solicitor?

There is no definitive answer here. Have UBS conducted the valuation? Have you advised UBS as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the UBS conveyancing panel? Sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued.

I'm in the process of viewing houses in Blackheath and I am now considering a potential offer. Should I already have a conveyancer appointed at this stage? I intend to finance via a mortgage with Barclays.

It would be sensible to start your search sooner rather than later. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the selling agent. Given that you are obtaining a mortgage with Barclays, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the Barclays conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Blackheath off the council. I have a mortgage offer with Coventry BS. Conveyancing is new to me. 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 Coventry BS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel.

How does conveyancing in Blackheath differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Blackheath approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because new home sellers in Blackheath usually acquire the real estate, 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 Blackheath or who has acted in the same development.

Is it simple use your search app to get a costs illustration from a conveyancing solicitor in Blackheath on the approved list for my mortgage?

Step one is to select a bank such as Accord Mortgages Ltd, Barnsley Building Society or Platform Home Loans Ltd then specify your preferred area for instance Blackheath. Conveyancing practices in Blackheath and nationally should be shown.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for remortgage conveyancing in Blackheath. I have stumble upon a web site which appears to be the ideal solution If it is possible to get all the legals completed via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

We are FTB’s just having agreed a price on a property in Blackheath, and are now looking to get solicitors instructed. We have used the numerous comparison tools and the quotes are from all over the country. Is it necessary to have a Blackheath conveyancer local to the potential property? We are content to do everything over the internet, but I guess at some point we will need to physically go into the conveyancing practitioner's office to sign papers?

Generally there is no need to attend the office of your conveyancing practitioner, they can send any relevant contracts to you, which you can sign and send back. Many buyers and sellers choose to use a locally based solicitor, but it is not essential for conveyancing in Blackheath.