What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Par? Why is this being asked of me?

Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering laws require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identification documents of the potential client they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing retainer. The Terms and Conditions that you need to sign should confirm this. Your lawyer also has obligations to obtain certain documents in accordance with the CML Lenders Handbook requirements last updated on 1st December 2014. Where you are unwilling to supply identification documents, your solicitor would not be able to accept instructions from you.

Are all Par Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Skipton conveyancing list of approved firms?

Some major lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel approval such as HSBC and Santander. CQS accreditation however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels.

I recently had an offer accepted on a house in Par. My financial adviser suggested a solicitor. I paid an upfront payment of £200. A few days later, the lawyer contacted me sheepishly admitting that they were not on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel. Am I right in thinking that I should be due a refund?

You should be able to recover this from the law firm if they were not on the Coventry BS panel. They should have asked at the outset which lender you were obtaining a mortgage with. An important lesson to readers of this site is to check that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panel.

After shopping around on the internet I have found a Par solicitor having checked that they are on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. Does my lawyer arrange the survey of the property?

Leeds Building Society will need an independent valuation of the property. Your lawyer will not arrange this. Usually Leeds Building Society will appoint their own surveyor to do this, and you will have to pay for it. Remember that this is a valuation for mortgage purposes and not a survey. You may wish to consider appointing your own Par surveyor to carry out a survey or prepare a home buyers report on the property. It is up to you to satisfy yourself that the property is structurally sound before you buy it. If the survey or report reveals that building work is needed, you should tell your solicitor. You may wish to renegotiate with the seller.

About to purchase a new build flat in Par. Conveyancing is a frightening process at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build legal work.

Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Par

Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision. The Lease must contain a provision on behalf of the Vendor to pay the service charges in respect of unoccupied units in order to ensure that all services can be provided. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?

My father has recommend that I instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Par. Do I take his advice?

Much as we are happy to recommend a Par conveyancing lawyer it’s preferable to find a conveyancing lawyer is to seek recommendations from friends or family who have previously instructed the solicitor that you are are thinking of instructing.

I have recently realised that I have 68 years unexpired on my lease in Par. I am keen to get lease extension but my landlord is can not be found. What are my options?

On the basis that you qualify, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the County Court for for permission to dispense with the service of the initial notice. This will mean that your lease can be granted an extra 90 years by the Court. You will be obliged to prove that you or your lawyers have done all that could be expected to find the lessor. For most situations a specialist may be helpful to try and locate and to produce an expert document which can be used as proof that the landlord can not be located. It is wise to seek advice from a conveyancer both on investigating the landlord’s absence and the application to the County Court overseeing Par.

I purchased a 1st floor flat in Par, conveyancing formalities finalised in 2000. Can you work out an approximate cost of a lease extension? Similar properties in Par with an extended lease are worth £195,000. The ground rent is £45 invoiced every year. The lease ceases on 21st October 2088

With just 63 years left to run the likely cost is going to range between £16,200 and £18,600 as well as costs.

The figure above a general guide to costs for renewing a lease, but we are not able to supply the actual costs without more comprehensive due diligence. Do not use the figures in a Notice of Claim or as an informal offer. There may be other concerns that need to be considered and you obviously should be as accurate as possible in your negotiations. You should not take any other action placing reliance on this information without first getting professional advice.