We are buying a flat and require a conveyancing solicitor in Hackney Wick who is on the UBS solicitor panel. Can you recommend a local firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for UBS . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Hackney Wick.

My Conveyancer in Hackney Wick is not listed on the Halifax Solicitor Panel. Can I still use my prefered solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the Halifax approved list?

Your options are as follows:

1. Carry on with your existing Hackney Wick lawyers but Halifax will need to retain a conveyancer on their list of acceptable firms. This will result in additional total legal fees as well as cause delays.
2. Get an alternative practitioner to to deal with the conveyancing, not forgetting to check they are Halifax approved.
3. Persuade your Halifax solicitor to attempt to join the Halifax panel

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £235,500 and found one near me in Hackney Wick I like with amenity areas and transport links in the vicinity, the downside is that it's only got 49 remaining years left on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Hackney Wick for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error buying a short lease?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will be problematic. Discount the offer by the amount the lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for a minimum of twenty four months you could request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.

As co-executor for the will of my uncle I am selling a property in Newport but live in Hackney Wick. My solicitor (who is 235 kilometers from meneeds me to sign a stat dec before completion. Can you recommend a conveyancing solicitor in Hackney Wick who can attest and place their company stamp on the document?

Technically speaking you are unlikely to be required to have the documents witnessed by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally any notary public or solicitor will suffice regardless of whether they are located in Hackney Wick

I have noted on numerous online forums that before choosing a conveyancing lawyer they must be approved by your bank. I am new to the process but I have an offer in principle with Virgin Money and I already have a high street conveyancing lawyer in Hackney Wick in place. Does Halifax need an approved solicitor to be selected? Does a directory of panel firms even exist for my conveyancing in Hackney Wick?

You should instruct a solicitor that is on the Halifax panel. Just ring your chosen Hackney Wick conveyancing solicitor and ask if they are on the Halifax panel. If they are not on the panel you have a number of choices available to you here:

• Complete the deal with your preferred Hackney Wick solicitor but Halifax will undoubtedly appoint a conveyancing practitioner on their approved list. The net impact is additional charges together with probable frustration.
• Appoint a new conveyancing practitioner to act in the purchase, ensuring that they are on the Halifax conveyancing panel.
• Appeal to your lawyer to seek to join the mortgage company panel.