Can you clarify what the consequences are if my lawyer’s firm is removed from the UBS Conveyancing panel ahead of completing my conveyancing in Clerkenwell?

The first thing to point out is that, this is a very rare occurrence. In most cases even where a law firm is removed off of a panel the lender would allow the completion to go ahead as the lender would appreciate the difficulties that they would place you in if you have to instruct a new solicitor days before completion. In a worst case scenario where the lender insists that you instruct a new firm then it is possible for a very good lawyer to expedite the conveyancing albeit that you may pay a significant premium for this. The analogous situation is where a buyer instructs a lawyer, exchanges contracts and the law firm is shut down by a regulator such as the SRA. Again, in this situation you can find lawyers who can troubleshoot their way to bring the conveyancing to a satisfactory conclusion - albeit for a fee.

I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a property I put an offer in two weeks back in what was supposed to be a straight forward, chain free conveyancing. Clerkenwell is where the house is located. Can you offer any assistance?

Flying freeholds in Clerkenwell are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Clerkenwell you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds thoroughly. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Clerkenwell may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.

I'm refinancing my current house to a BTL loan with National Westminster Bank and I will use the rest of the raised equity towards another house. The neighborhood we are looking at is Clerkenwell. Will your solicitors be able to act for both sets of lenders and link together the transactions?

Do use our comparison tool on this site to check that the solicitors are approved by both banks. Assuming that they are your lawyer will be able to simultaneously deal with the two conveyancing matters but you should talk with you solicitor and communicate your expectations and requirements.

I have just appointed agents to market my ground floor flat in Clerkenwell. Conveyancing lawyers have not yet been instructed, but I have just had a half-yearly service charge demand – should I leave it to the buyer to sort out?

It best that you pay the maintenance contribution as usual given that all rents and service invoices will be allotted on completion, so you will be reimbursed by the buyer for the period running from after the completion date to the next payment date. Most managing agents will not acknowledge the buyer unless the service charges have been paid and are up to date, so it is important for both buyer and seller for the seller to show that they are up to date. This will smooth the conveyancing process.

Following years of dialogue we simply can't agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Clerkenwell. Can we issue an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Service?

Absolutely. We can put you in touch with a Clerkenwell conveyancing firm who can help.

An example of a Lease Extension decision for a Clerkenwell residence is Flat 89 Trinity Court Grays Inn Road in February 2013. the Tribunal found that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 to the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 should be £36,229. This case was in relation to 1 flat. The unexpired term as at the valuation date was 66.8 years.

I need to switch lawyers as my Clerkenwell lawyer is not on the lender's approved list of conveyancing solicitors. Is it practical to instruct different lawyers?

In the event that you have not formally appointed a conveyancer to commence the conveyancing and have just received an estimate as to costs, you're perfectly free to choose a different solicitor to carry out your work for you. The best way is to get recommendations from friends or family who have actually used the solicitor or conveyancer in Clerkenwell that you're considering.