Can you explain why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Bradley Stoke costs more?

Bradley Stoke leasehold conveyancing transactions usually involve additional investigations than freeholds including investigating the Lease, liaising with the Landlord such as serving appropriate notices on the Landlord or managing agent, obtaining up-to-date service charge and management information, obtaining Landlord’s consents and reviewing management accounts and formation documents.

My fiance and I wish to acquire a 3 bedroom apartment in Bradley Stoke with a mortgage from Virgin Money.We like our Bradley Stoke conveyancing practitioner but Virgin Money says his firm is not listed on their approved list of member firms. we are left little option but to use a Virgin Money panel lawyer or retain our preferred solicitor and pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The home loan offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that conveyancers will be on the Virgin Money approved list. 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 lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Virgin Money

Two weeks ago we had a mortgage agreed in principle with UBS. Bradley Stoke conveyancing lawyers have been selected. How long does it take for UBS to issue the offer to the property lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have UBS completed the survey? Have you informed UBS as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the UBS conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Bradley Stoke off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. 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 Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.

The formalities of my remortgage has taken place for my property in Bradley Stoke. Conveyancing was a necessary evil but I would like to complain about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?

Most lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are sorted out effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR who will take matters further.

I am selling my house. My past lawyers have shut. I would be grateful for any recommendation of a conveyancing firm. I happen to live in Bradley Stoke if that makes things easier.

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

In relation to leasehold conveyancing in Bradley Stoke what are the most common lease defects?

There is nothing unique about leasehold conveyancing in Bradley Stoke. All leases are drafted differently and legal mistakes in the legal wording can sometimes mean that certain clauses are missing. For example, if your lease is missing any of the following, it could be defective:

A provision to repair to or maintain parts of the property

You will have a problem when selling your property if you have a defective lease primarily because it impacts on the ability to obtain a mortgage on the property. Nationwide Building Society, Skipton Building Society, and Clydesdale all have express conveyancing instructions when it comes to what is expected in a lease. Where a lender has been advised by their lawyers that the lease is problematic they may refuse to grant the mortgage, forcing the buyer to pull out.

Bradley Stoke Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries before Purchasing

Is anyone aware of any major works in the near future that will increase the service charges? How is the lease structured? This question is important as a) areas could cause problems for the block as the common areas may begin to deteriorate where maintenance remain unpaid b) if the leasehold owners have an issue with the managing agents you will want to have all the details