I can't travel far from Durham. Is there a reason why all Durham property lawyers aren't automatically on all lender panels?
Banks point to the fact that solicitor-led fraud is considered to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud every year.The elimination of law firms off of lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the FSA in 2011. Its conclusions included recommendations for lenders to review their conveyancing panels, which kicked off a major policy change in the sector. This resulted in banks and building societies purging a number of firms from their books of approved lawyers .
We are a couple about to exchange contracts for a freehold house in Durham. We encountered a stumbling block. Our mortgage offer with Accord Mortgages Ltd expires on 8/5/2024 but the sellers are putting forward a completion date of 10/5/2024. Can one extend the mortgage expiry date?
The person best placed to deal with your question is your conveyancer who is in a position to calculate whether he or she is should be discussing with the mortgage company, owner’s conveyancers, selling agents or possibly all parties given what has gone on in your conveyancing as of today.
We are purchasing a house in Durham. I might seem paranoid but how we can trust a conveyancer? On completion day we will need to deposit our life savings into their account. What protection do we have from them run away with our money?
Be assured that all money in a Solicitors client account is 100% safe, and even if your Solicitor ran off with it, the Law Society would reimburse you fully.
My wife and I purchasing a 4 bedroom semi-detached house in Durham. The intention is to carry out a loft conversion at the property.Will the conveyancing process include investigations to see if these works are permitted?
Your conveyancer should review the registered title as conveyancing in Durham can occasionally reveal restrictions in the title deeds which prevent categories of alterations or need the permission of a 3rd party. Many additions need local authority planning consent and approval in compliance with building regulations. Many locations are designated conservation areas and special planning restrictions apply which often prevent or affect extensions. It would be sensible to check these things with a surveyor ahead of any purchase.
Is it the case that all Durham solicitor firms on the Aldermore conveyancing panel are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority?
As solicitors, in order to be on the Aldermore approved list of solicitors they would need to be governed by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. Many banks do permit licenced conveyancers on their panel in which case such firms would be overseen by the CLC.
In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my commercial premises in Durham and how can your lawyers assist?
The particular law that you refer to provides security of tenure to business tenants, giving them the legal entitlement to apply to court for a renewal tenancy and remain in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complex. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing practices who use the act to your advantage and assist with commercial conveyancing in Durham
I'm selling a apartment in Durham. I can find my conveyancer's company on the CLC list, but I can't see my lawyer's name on the list. Should I be concerned?
Not every individual in the company must be listed by the regulator. Provided there is someone qualified to 'oversee' the conveyancing, the actual day-to-day activity can be conducted by unlicensed staff.