Just been in touch with my conveyancing lawyer in Sparkhill who acted for me two years ago and wanted a conveyancing quote based on the same type of home move (a leasehold property and a freehold property) of almost identical values with a home loan from Barclays Direct. I am now being quoted twice the amount. Stick with what I know or should I seek out a cheaper online firm of conveyancing solicitor?

The charges appear a tad high. If you are happy to spend time comparing costs you might get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by perhaps £125. On the other hand, if you were happy with the conveyancing the firm offered you mightcome to regret choosing an an unknown conveyancer. Don't forget to be sure the solicitor can also act for Barclays Direct. Do make use of our search tool to choose a Sparkhill conveyancing firm on the Barclays Direct approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Sparkhill.

We see that you have a post code search directory identifying solicitors on the TSB conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I appoint them for our own conveyancing in Sparkhill?

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

How can we tell if a Sparkhill conveyancing solicitor on the Santander panel is any good?

When it comes to conveyancing in Sparkhill seeking recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always recommend that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your transaction.

We have agreed to purchase a house in Sparkhill. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Barclays have issued a mortgage offer so presumably this is not a concern to them. Why is my solicitor raising questions about the panel?

As your lender is Barclays your lawyer must comply with the conveyancing instructions contained in Part two of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Barclays. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook contains minimum specifications for solar panel roof-space leases, and lawyers are required to report to Barclays where a lease fails to satisfy these provisions. The specifications relate to the installation of panels on properties in England and Wales and is not restricted to Sparkhill.

I can not fathom if my lender requires a lease extension. I have telephoned my Sparkhill building society branch on various occasions and was reassured it wasn't an issue and they will lend. My Sparkhill conveyancing solicitor - who is on the bank conveyancing panel- called and was told they refuse to lend in accordance with their published requirements. Who do I believe?

Your conveyancing practitioner has to comply with the CML Handbook section two specifications for your bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the bank will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the bank to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years remaining.

I am buying a new build flat in Sparkhill. Conveyancing is a frightening process 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 legal work.

Set out below is a sample of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Sparkhill

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. 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. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Investor purchasers must be able to freely grant unsecured tenancies at market rents without requiring any consents. Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.

I am looking into buying my first house which is in Sparkhill and I am already nervous. I couldn't find anything specific about Sparkhill. Conveyancing will be needed in due course but do you know about the Sparkhill area? or perhaps some other tips you can share?

Rather than looking online forget looking online you should go and have a look at Sparkhill. In the meantime here are some basic statistics that we found