We are purchasing a 1 bedroom flat in Pitstone with a mortgage. We like our Pitstone conveyancer, however the mortgage company advise she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no choice but to instruct one of the bank panel firms or keep our Pitstone lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. This seems very unfair; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your Pitstone conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

I have 70 years unexpired on my lease and need a lease extension for my flat in Pitstone. Conveyancing solicitors on the Chelsea Building Society panel can deal with such extensions correct?

Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 5/10/2025 the requirements read as follows :

I am buying a new build flat in Pitstone. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.

Set out below are examples of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Pitstone

Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please supply a car parking plan. The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. Please confirm the Lease plans are surveyor prepared.

Should I use a Pitstone conveyancing solicitor in close proximity to the house I am hoping to buy? An old friend can perform the conveyancing but his firm is located 300miles drive away.

The primary upside of using a high street Pitstone conveyancing firm is that you can drop in to execute documents, present your identification documents and apply pressure on them if necessary. They will also have local insight which is a plus. However it's more important to get someone that will pull out all the stops for you. If if people you trust instructed your friend and the majority were impressed that should outweigh using an unfamiliar Pitstone conveyancing lawyer just because they are local.

I see that you have a search directory listing solicitors on the mortgage company conveyancing panel. Do Pitstone conveyancing companies pay you a commission if I retain them for my house purchase?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the mortgage company conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to the any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Pitstone.