Unfortunately I am unable to travel far from Rotherhithe. I would like to know the reason why all Rotherhithe solicitors aren't included on all bank panels?

Mortgage companies point to the fact that solicitor-led fraud is thought to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud annually.The elimination of law firms from lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the FSA in 2011. Its outcome included recommendations for lenders to review their conveyancing panels, which triggered a major policy change in the sector. It resulted in mortgage companies culling less reputable firms from their books of approved property lawyers .

Why is leasehold purchase conveyancing in Rotherhithe costs more?

The conveyancing costs on a leasehold premises in Rotherhithe is frequently greater as compared to a freehold residence. This is due to the additional investigations necessary in dealing with the landlord and managing agents to obtain evidence concerning whether the rent and service fee have been discharged and whether there are any major works due in the near future on repairs or maintenance of the building.

Do the Building Society Association intend to launch a online directory to list practices on the Loughborough BS conveyancing panel for instance in Rotherhithe?

We have not been informed any intention on the part of the BSA to promote such a tool.

I am looking for a leasehold apartment up to £195,000 and identified one near me in Rotherhithe I like with open areas and railway links in the vicinity, the downside is that it only has 61 remaining years left on the lease. There is not much else in Rotherhithe suitable, so just wondered if I would be making a mistake acquiring a short lease?

Should you require a mortgage the shortness of the lease will likely be a potential deal breaker. Reduce the price by the anticipated lease extension will cost if not already taken into account. If the current proprietor has owned the premises for at least 2 years you can request that they start the process of the extension and then assign it to you. You can add 90 years to the current lease and have £0 ground rent by law. You should speak to your conveyancing lawyer concerning this.

I have noted on a number of consumer advice websites that when choosing a conveyancing solicitors they must be approved by your lender. I am novice purchaser but I have an AIP with HSBC and I already have a local conveyancing solicitor in Rotherhithe on standby. Will Birmingham Midhshires require an approved lawyer to be selected? Does a directory of panel conveyancers even exist for my conveyancing in Rotherhithe?

You need to instruct a solicitor that is on the Birmingham Midhshires panel. Just call your chosen Rotherhithe conveyancing solicitor and ask if they are on the Birmingham Midhshires panel. If they are not on the panel you have a number of options available to you here:

• Complete the deal with your preferred Rotherhithe solicitor but Birmingham Midhshires will undoubtedly retain a conveyancer on their conveyancing panel. This will result in additional charges and probable frustration.
• Choose a fresh conveyancing practitioner to act in the purchase, not forgetting to check that they are on the Birmingham Midhshires conveyancing panel.
• Convince your conveyancing practitioner to pull out all the stops to join the Birmingham Midhshires panel of solicitors.