I am considering applying for a HSBC mortgage for purchase of a newly converted (under development) in Hartlebury with 65 per cent loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for HSBC ?

In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the HSBC conveyancing panel, but HSBC would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.

I just acquired a property at auction in Hartlebury. Conveyancing is required. What is next?

Having exchanged you will need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor quickly as you now have a pending a drop dead date to complete the deal. All auction property should have an associated auction set of papers. This should include most,if not all of the paperwork that your conveyancer requires. In the case of leasehold property the legal papers may include a copy of the lease, management information and a sellers leasehold information form and other conveyancing documentation pertinent to a leasehold property. You must hand this to the solicitor instructed by you ASAP. You also need to ensure that your finances are in order to complete on the on the contractual date .

We had chosen conveyancing lawyers with offices in Hartlebury on the Principality solicitor approved list. They are now charging me an additional sum for handling the Principality mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee specified by Principality?

As unfair as it may seem, as long as it’s in their Terms of Engagement or Quote then yes your solicitor can charge a fee for this. The charge is not dictated by Principality but by your Hartlebury lawyer. Plenty of firms on the Principality panel will charge ’dealing with mortgage’ fee but some practices incorporate it on their overall fee.

My partner and I are in the throws of looking at houses in Hartlebury and I am about to put in an offer. Is it wise to have my lawyer on ‘stand by’? I am planning to take a home loan with Nottingham.

It would be wise to commence your search sooner rather than later. After you have chosen your lawyer and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and forward their details on to the estate agent. As you are seeking a mortgage with Nottingham, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the Nottingham conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.

I am looking for a flat up to £235,500 and identified one near me in Hartlebury I like with open areas and station nearby, however it's only got 49 years unexpired on the lease. There is not much else in Hartlebury for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake purchasing a lease with such few years left?

If you need a mortgage the remaining unexpired lease term may be problematic. Reduce the price by the expected lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the premises for at least twenty four months you could ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the existing lease with a zero ground rent applied. You should consult your conveyancing solicitor regarding this matter.

I need to appoint a conveyancing solicitor for freehold conveyancing in Hartlebury. I've land on a site which looks to be the ideal answer If there is a chance to get all the legals done via phone that would be ideal. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

Can you set examples of compelling advantages to using a high street conveyancing practitioner in Hartlebury

Many purchasers and sellers in Hartlebury select a nearby high street solicitor so that they can visit just in case they have questions, and to deliver mortgage deeds rather than run the risk of relying on the post.

We would allege that there exists a slight advantage when opting for a conveyancer nearby to the house you are purchasing, due to the in-depth knowledge of the locality and potential local issues - however this is moot. The majority of conveyancers conduct their work online and may be any place in the world.