My wife and I are intent on purchasing a maisonette in Downend. My property lawyer has never been on on the mortgage company solicitor panel. Is it possible for me to continue with my Downend conveyancing solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the lender list of approved lawyers?

You must appoint a conveyancer to complete the legal work required when you require a mortgage to purchase your property. They will conduct all the necessary legal checks on the property, make sure that you’re properly registered as the owner and ensure that all the necessary mortgage paperwork is in place. One could instruct a Downend conveyancing practitioner of your choice. Nevertheless, where the lawyer appointed is not a member of the bank approved list further fees will be levied as separate legal representation will be required by them. Bank panel applications may be submitted, so where your lawyer has not previously applied for membership they can do so.

IfI were to acquire a freehold housein Downend for cash and dispense with a survey and no conveyancing searches how much would I expect to to save on my conveyancing in Downend?

The sole reduction in fees you would make on is the disbursement for searches. A property lawyer is obliged to do the vast majority of work - money laundering, communicating with the sellers conveyancer, stamp duty submission, register the title etc. You might save a bit for them not needing to register a charge however it won't be meaningful.

I used Arc property Solicitors several years ago for my conveyancing in Downend. Now, I need my documents however the law firm has closed. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracing your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Downend of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously hired, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I am selling my home. My former conveyancers closed down. I am in need of a recommendation of a conveyancing firm. Im based in Downend if that makes a difference.

Do use our search tool to help you find a solicitor for your conveyancing in Downend. We have connected thousands of home buyers and sellers with regulated solicitors to ensure that the legalities of their house move goes with a minimum of fuss.

What are your top tips when it comes to choosing a Downend conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

When appointing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Downend conveyancing practice) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with several firms including non Downend conveyancing practices prior to instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

How familiar is the firm with lease extension legislation? What are the charges for lease extension conveyancing?

I purchased a ground floor flat in Downend, conveyancing formalities finalised in 1996. Can you give me give me an indication of the likely cost of a lease extension? Comparable properties in Downend with an extended lease are worth £211,000. The average or mid-range amount of ground rent is £45 invoiced annually. The lease expires on 21st October 2091

You have 67 years left to run we estimate the premium for your lease extension to be between £10,500 and £12,000 as well as professional fees.

The suggested premium range that we have given is a general guide to costs for extending a lease, but we cannot give you a more accurate figure in the absence of comprehensive investigations. You should not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There are no doubt additional issues that need to be taken into account and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not move forward based on this information without first seeking the advice of a professional.