I am not in a position to travel far from Gateshead. I would like to know the reason why all Gateshead aren't included on all mortgage company panels?

Banks normally restrict either the nature or volume of conveyancing solicitors on their panel. Typical examples of such restriction(s) being that the organisation needs to have two or more partners. In addition to restricting the type of firm, some banks decided to limit the number of conveyancers they permit to represent them. You should note that building societies have no accountability for the accuracy of service supplied by any Gateshead on their approved list. Property fraud was the key driver in the rationalisation of conveyancing panels from 2008 even though there are conflicting views about the extent of solicitor involvement in some of that fraud. Data via HM Land Registry reveal that thousands of conveyancing practices only transact one or two conveyances a year. Those advocating conveyancing panel cuts ask why law firms should have claim to be listed on a conveyancing panel when it is evident that property law is not their speciality?

Various web forums that I have frequented warn that are a common cause of hinderance in Gateshead conveyancing transactions. Is there any truth in this?

The Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) has noted the findings of research by MoveWithUs that conveyancing searches do not feature amongst the top 10 causes of hindrances during the legal transfer of property. Local searches are unlikely to be the root cause of slowing down conveyancing in Gateshead.

I used Stirling Law a few years ago for my conveyancing in Gateshead. I now require my papers however the law firm has closed. What do I do?

You should call the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to help locate 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 Gateshead of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.

I'm buying a new build house in Gateshead benefiting from help to buy. The builders refused to reduce the amount so I negotiated five thousand pounds worth of additionals instead. The estate agent advised me not inform my lawyer about the extras as it could put at risk my mortgage with the lender. Do I keep my lawyer in the dark?.

All lenders require a Disclosure of Incentives Form from the builder of any new build, converted or renovated property, It is available online from the Lenders’ Handbook page on the CML website. CML form is completed and handed to the lender's surveyor when the inspection is done.

Lenders have different policies on incentives. Some accept none at all, cash or physical, while others will accept cash incentives up to 5%.

Hard to understand why the representative of a builder would be suggesting you withold information from a solicitor when all this will be clearly visible on forms the builder has to supply to its solicitor, the buyer's solicitor and the surveyor.

My step-father has suggested that I instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Gateshead. Should I use them?

No doubt the best way to choose a conveyancing practitioner is to seek guidance from friends or family who have used the conveyancer that you are considering.