I sincerely hope you can assist me. My Roundhay conveyancer is assuring me that he has toconduct Roundhay conveyancing searches asthe firm are on the Santanderapproved lawyer panel. Do I not have any options here?

Unfortunately both you and your lawyer have little choice here. Given that you are taking out a loan with a lender your conveyancer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your conveyancing practitioner would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your lender’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to follow the CML Handbook provisions . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Roundhay conveyancing searches.

Can you explain why leasehold purchase conveyancing in Roundhay is more expensive?

Roundhay leasehold conveyancing transactions usually involve additional investigations than freeholds including investigating the Lease, liaising with the Landlord such as serving appropriate notices on the Landlord or managing agent, obtaining up-to-date service charge and management information, obtaining Landlord’s consents and reviewing management accounts and formation documents.

Will my conveyancing lawyers need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Roundhay. My lender is Platform

Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 8/2/2019, the requirements read as follows :

How does conveyancing in Roundhay differ for newly converted properties?

Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Roundhay approach us having been asked by the developer to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the premises is built. This is because house builders in Roundhay usually acquire the real estate, 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 Roundhay or who has acted in the same development.

I am short of a 10% deposit on my flat purchase in Roundhay , but I still want to go ahead. What can I do?

One option is to try and agree a smaller deposit. Many sellers will accept a smaller deposit or even no deposit for a first time buyer or 100% mortgage. Be aware though that if you fail to complete you will still need to hand over a minimum of 10% of the purchase price regardless of how much deposit was agreed.

You can also agree a simultaneous exchange and completion as no deposit is required for this however neither party will be tied in until completion actually takes place and it can be risky if sellers change their mind at the last moment