I have just started taking steps with a view to swapping over from my current residential home loan to a Buy to Let Virgin Money mortgage. I was told by my mortgage that I must appoint a solicitor as part of the process. I spoke to my former Newcastle under Lyme conveyancing firm who acted on my behalf when I initially acquired the premises. The costs illustration e-mailed to me of £470 is surprising as its a refinance than a sale or purchase.
The estimate fees appear a bit high. If you shop around you could get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by as much as a hundred pounds. On the other hand, if you were happy with the legal work the firm provided you couldcome to rue opting for an an untested lawyer. Remember to ensure the conveyancer can represent Virgin Money. You can make use of our search tool to choose a Newcastle under Lyme conveyancing firm on the Virgin Money member panel, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Newcastle under Lyme.
What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and conveyancing solicitor in Newcastle under Lyme
Two types of professional can conduct conveyancing in Newcastle under Lyme namely CLC regulated conveyancers or solicitors. The two can administer the legal services that required to complete the sale or purchase of property. Both are obliged to conduct Newcastle under Lyme conveyancing on similar quality and guidelines so you can be safe in the knowledge that your conveyancing will be professionally administered and that all necessary steps will be accurately adhered to.
Are all Newcastle under Lyme Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Nottingham conveyancing panel?
A selection of banks and building societies now use CQS as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for solicitor practices wishing to remain on their approved list of firms.
I had an offer accepted on a house in Newcastle under Lyme on 5/11/2025, valuation was booked 3 days later, all came back fine. Property lawyer appointed, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Virgin Money and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?
Mortgage companies tend not to not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Virgin Money to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.
Should my solicitor be asking questions concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Newcastle under Lyme.
Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Newcastle under Lyme. There are those who purchase a house in Newcastle under Lyme, fully expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, leaving to one side the physical damage, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to get a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or dispose of the property. There are steps that can be taken as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the buyer.
Solicitors are not best placed to give advice on flood risk, however there are a numerous searches that may be initiated by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which should give them a better understanding of the risks in Newcastle under Lyme. The standard property information forms given to a purchaser’s conveyancer (where the Conveyancing Protocol is adopted) contains a standard inquiry of the seller to find out whether the premises has historically flooded. In the event that the residence has been flooded in past and is not revealed by the owner, then a purchaser may issue a claim for damages as a result of such an incorrect reply. A buyer’s conveyancers may also order an enviro report. This will indicate whether there is any known flood risk. If so, further investigations should be carried out.
How does conveyancing in Newcastle under Lyme differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Newcastle under Lyme come to us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is finished. This is because builders in Newcastle under Lyme tend to purchase the land, 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 Newcastle under Lyme or who has acted in the same development.
What does commercial conveyancing in Newcastle under Lyme cover?
Newcastle under Lyme conveyancing for business premises covers a broad array of advice, given by qualified solicitors, relating to business premises. For example, this type of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the assignment of existing leases or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial mortgages and the termination of leases.