In what way does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in London? What am I being asked for?

London conveyancing solicitors as well as nationwide property lawyers accross the UK have a duty under Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules to check the identity of any client in order to ensure that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to supply two forms of certified ID; proof of ID (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and proof of address (usually a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Proof of the origin of funds is also required in compliance with the money laundering laws as conveyancers are required to investigate that the monies you are utilising to acquire a property (whether it be the deposit for exchange or the full purchase amount where you are buying without a mortgage) has originated from a reputable source (such as an inheritance) rather than the proceeds of illegitimate activity.

We had appointed conveyancing lawyers based in London on the solicitor approved list. They have just billed me a supplemental amount for the legal aspects of the mortgage. Is this an additional conveyancing fee specified by ?

As unfair as it may seem, as long as it’s in their Terms of Engagement or Quote then yes your may charge a fee for this. The charge is not dictated by but by your London . Some firms on the panel will levy an ‘acting for lender’ fee and others do not.

I am buying a property in London. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender be concerned?

Given that your lender is your lawyer must check the formal requirements set out in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for . The CML Handbook sets out minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and are required to report to where a lease does not comply with these specifications. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties countrywide and is not restricted to London.

I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in London off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with . Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use 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 , you will need to appoint a solicitor on the conveyancing panel.

My colleague advised me that if I am buying in London I should ask my conveyancer to execute a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. Can you explain what the purpose of this search is?

A search of this type is usually quoted for as part of the standard London conveyancing searches. It is a large report of more than thirty pages, listing and detailing important information about London around the property and the people living there. It includes an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the London Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the type of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average Property Price, Crime statistics, Local Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data regarding London.

I am looking for a ground for flat up to £195,000 and identified one round the corner in London I like with a park and railway links nearby, the downside is that it's only got 52 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in London suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a grave error acquiring a lease with such few years left?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the offer by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the existing owner has owned the property for a minimum of 2 years you may request that they start the process of the extension and pass it to you. An additional ninety years can be extended on to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near London being on the bank conveyancing panel. It would be a lot more helpful if you could recommend a specific firm on the mortgage company approved panel?

We do not recommend specific London firms as the right London conveyancing solicitor for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with London knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..