I am thinking of remortgaging my house in Chessington, does my lawyer have to be on the HSBC Solicitor panel?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the HSBC conveyancing panel, but HSBC 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.

How does conveyancing in Chessington differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Chessington approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is completed. This is because developers in Chessington tend to buy 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 used to new build conveyancing in Chessington or who has acted in the same development.

I have been on the look out for a flat up to £305k and found one near me in Chessington I like with a park and station in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 52 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Chessington for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a short lease?

If you require a home loan the shortness of the lease will likely be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the expected lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing proprietor has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you may ask them to start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor concerning this matter.

I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing practitioner in Chessington for my house move. Is it possible to see a firm’s record with the profession’s regulator?

Anyone may find presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions started on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find details Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes recorded call for training purposes.

Why is New Build conveyancing in Chessington more costly?

Purchasing a brand new home is completely different from the standard house buying conveyancing in Chessington. For a start sellers normally demand contracts to exchange very quickly, the result being a lot of pressure on your solicitor to ensure all is in order. In addition new build premises frequently involve the checking of adoption of highways, drains, planning considerations, building warranties or architects certificates. Mortgage company requirements are also more demanding. Due to the complex nature of the process for these types of properties, the conveyancing new build fees are higher than normal.