Is the fact that my conveyancer in Didsbury is not listed on my mortgage company's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of her conveyancing?

It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are all sorts of perfectly plausible explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should contact the Didsbury conveyancing practice and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.

I am the registered owner of a freehold property in Didsbury yet pay rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Didsbury and has limited impact for conveyancing in Didsbury but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Didsbury. My lender is Platform

Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 6/11/2025, the requirements read as follows :

The estate agent has sent us the confirmation of our purchase of a new build apartment in Didsbury. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Here is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Didsbury

The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. If there are lifts in the building, please confirm that the owners of flats on the ground and basement floors will not be required to contribute towards the cost of maintenance and renewal. Please supply evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

Should I be suspicious about estate agents that I am dealing with are recommending a nationwide conveyancing firm as opposed to a local Didsbury conveyancing firm?

As is the case with lots of professional services, often referrals from relatives can be extremely useful or valuable. Nevertheless there are numerous players in a conveyancing transaction; estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage companies might all put forward conveyancers to instruct. On occasion these solicitors might be known to one of the organisations as being good in their field, but occasionally there is an underlying commercial relationship behind the endorsement. You have the right to choose your preferred lawyer. Don't forget that some lenders specify a panel list of lawyers you have to use for the mortgage aspect of your transaction.