I am hoping to receive a mortgage offer from Halifax. I would like to employ the services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Lees. Does the Halifax Solicitor panel include conveyancers regulated by the CLC?

The Halifax conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, represented by the Council or Mortgage Lenders or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

Is it correct that all Lees CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors are on the Aldermore conveyancing list of approved practices?

Some major banks and building societies now make use of CQS as the starting point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels.

We had appointed conveyancers with offices in Lees on the Co-operative solicitor panel. They are now charging me a further amount for the legal aspects of the Co-operative mortgage. Is this a supplemental conveyancing fee specified by Co-operative?

Unfortunately, as long as it is in their Terms and Conditions or estimate then yes your lawyer can levy a fee for this. This fee is not set by Co-operative but by your Lees lawyer. Plenty of firms on the Co-operative panel will charge an ‘acting for lender’ fee and others do not.

I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Lees. I have a mortgage offer with Leeds Building Society. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should have one. Any advice?

It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Leeds Building Society, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel.

How does conveyancing in Lees differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build residence in Lees contact us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is completed. This is because new home sellers in Lees typically buy the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Lees or who has acted in the same development.

I'm remortgaging my primary house to a buy to let mortgage with Nationwide Building Society and intend to use the remaining equity as a down payment on a second property. The area we are interested in is Lees. Will your lawyers be able to act for the two lenders and tie in the conveyances?

Make use of our comparison tool on this site to be sure that the conveyancers are on the relevant lender panels. Assuming that they are your conveyancer should be able to connect the two transactions but you should talk with you conveyancer and make clear your expectations and requirements.

Are you able to clarify what options are open to me where my Lees conveyancing searches reveals adverse entries?

Ordinarily, most adverse entries exposed in Lees conveyancing search results can be handled in advance of completion or title insurance could possibly be put on cover. You need to note that regardless of the fact that you may be buying the premises and may be willing to accept the search results, your lender may not, and ultimately they have the final say.