Is the fact that my solicitor in Kirkstall is not on my bank's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the quality of his conveyancing?
That would more than likely be an incorrect assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator revealed that over three quarters of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Should you be concerned you should simply call the Kirkstall conveyancing practice and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.
Do the Building Society Association intend to launch a search tool with a view to to identify law firms on the Melton Mowbray Building Society conveyancing panel for instance in Kirkstall?
We are not aware of any intention on the part of the BSA to develop such a tool.
What does a local search reveal regarding the property I am buying in Kirkstall?
Kirkstall conveyancing often commences with the submitting local authority searches directly from your local Authority or through a personal search organisations for example PSG The local search is essential in every Kirkstall conveyancing purchase; that is if you don’t want any nasty once you have moved into your new home. The search will supply information on, amongst other things, details on planning applications applicable to the premises (whether granted or refused), building control history, any enforcement action, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, contaminated land and radon gas; in all a total of 13 subject areas.
I have been on the look out for a ground for flat up to £305k and identified one close by in Kirkstall I like with amenity areas and transport links nearby, however it's only got 49 years on the lease. I can't really find anything else in Kirkstall for this price, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error purchasing a short lease?
Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease may be a potential deal breaker. Discount the price by the amount the lease extension will cost if it has not already been discounted. If the existing owner has owned the property for at least 2 years you may ask them to commence the lease extension formalities and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease term with a zero ground rent applied. You should speak to your conveyancing solicitor regarding this.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing lawyer in Kirkstall for my house move. Is there any facility to check a firm’s record with the legal regulator?
Anyone can review presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations stemming from inquisitions from 2008 onwards. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's record, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For callers outside the UK, dial +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could recorded call for training requirements.