I plan on acquiring a maisonette in Macclesfield. My lawyer is not listed on the lender conveyancing panel. Am I still permitted to continue with my Macclesfield conveyancing solicitor notwithstanding that they are not on the lender approved list?

One must appoint a solicitor to complete the legal work required if you take out a mortgage to buy your home. They will conduct all the relevant legal checks on the property, ensuring that you’re registered as proprietor and ensure that all the necessary mortgage paperwork is in place. You can instruct a Macclesfield solicitor of your choosing. Nevertheless, where the lawyer selected is not a member of the lender approved list supplemental charges will be incurred as separate legal representation will be need by the mortgage company. Conveyancing panel applications may be submitted, so provided your solicitor has not historically sought membership they should take the opportunity to apply.

I am hoping to move into my new home in Macclesfield next Thursday. I have now been asked to send a copy of my building insurance schedule by my solicitor as as she informs me that she is duty bound to validate that it is in order for the lender. What does the insurance need to cover?

All property lawyers on acting for lenders would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s Part 2 conditions. These obligations are not specific to conveyancing in Macclesfield.

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

To satisfy the Money Laundering Regulations any Macclesfield conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing matters. This is normally dealt with by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility account showing your correct address.

In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, conveyancing solicitors are duty bound to investigate not simply the identity of conveyancing clients but also the origin of fund that they receive in respect of any matter. Refusal to disclose this will result in your lawyer cancelling their relationship with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.

Your conveyancers will have an obligation to make a disclosure to the relevant authorities should they believe that any monies received by them may contravene the Money Laundering Regulations.

I purchased a 4 bedroom Victorian house in Macclesfield. Conveyancing practitioner represented me and Lloyds TSB Bank. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw two entries: one for freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same property. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You should assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Macclesfield and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they buy they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also question the situation with the conveyancing solicitor who conducted the work.

Is it best to go with a Macclesfield conveyancing practitioner in close proximity to the house I am purchasing? An old friend can carry out the legal formalities but his firm is located over three hundred kilometers drive away.

The benefit of a high street Macclesfield conveyancing practice is that you can drop in to execute documents, deliver your identification documents and pester them where appropriate. They will also have local intelligence which is a bonus. That being said it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If you know people who instructed your friend and they were happy that should trump using an unknown Macclesfield conveyancing solicitor just because they are round the corner.