Unfortunately I am unable to travel far from Corston. What is the rationale as to why all Corston lawyers aren't automatically on all mortgage company panels?

As unjust as it may seem for banks to restrict who can represent them, from the public’s or conveyancer’s perspective, the the contrary view is that lending institutions are increasingly anxious and feel it crucial to protect them from mortgage fraud. As a result of this concern mortgage companies are limiting their conveyancing panel to a size that they are happy to control.

I am about to put an offer on a leasehold flat in Corston. The property agents tell me that it is the norm for flats in Corston to have less than 75 years remaining. I am taking out a loan with Accord Mortgages. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 69 years left.

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 25/8/2025 the requirements read as follows :

Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly picked up during conveyancing in Corston?

Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the legal transfer of property in Corston. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’

I've recently bought a leasehold flat in Corston. Do I have any liability for service charges relating to a period prior to completion of my purchase?

Where the service charge has already been demanded from the previous lessee and they have not paid you would not usually be personally liable for the arrears. However, your landlord may still be able to take action to forfeit the lease. It is an essential part of leasehold conveyancing for your conveyancer to be sure to have an up to date clear service charge receipt before completion of your purchase. If you have a mortgage this is likely to be a requirement of your lender.

If you purchase part way through an accounting year you may be liable for charges not yet demanded even if they relate to a period prior to your purchase. In such circumstances your conveyancer would normally arrange for the seller to set aside some money to cover their part of the period (usually called a service charge retention).

Corston Leasehold Conveyancing - A selection of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

Are there any major works on the horizon that will increase the maintenance fees? What restrictions exist in the Corston Lease? Make sure you enquire if the the lease contains any adverse restrictions in the lease. For instance plenty of leases prohibit pets being permitted in in a block in Corston. If you love the propertyin Corston however your dog is not allowed to live with you then you will be presented with a difficult determination.

I'm buying a bungalow in Corston. I have found my conveyancer's company on the Law Society's list, but I can't see my conveyancer's name on the list. Is this a big problem?

Not all staff in the law firm must be listed by the regulator. As long there is a manager qualified to 'oversee' the conveyancing, the actual day-to-day activity can be conducted by unlicensed staff.