I have been referred to a conveyancing solicitor in Stamford Bridge. I I am struggling to find out if they are on the Bank of Scotland conveyancing panel. Could you or the lender confirm if they are on the panel?

The first thing to do is contact the lawyer and enquire if they can act for the lender. Otherwise you should get in touch with Bank of Scotland who may be able to assist.

My wife and I are close to exchanging contracts on the sale of our property in Stamford Bridge and according to the buyers it appears that there is a possibility that the property was constructed on contaminated land. A local conveyancer would know this is not the case. It does beg the question why the buyers used an online conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Stamford Bridge. Having lived in Stamford Bridge for 4 years we know of no issue. Do we contact our local Authority to obtain confirmation that the buyers are looking for.

It would appear that you have a conveyancing firm currently acting for you. Are they able to advise? You must check with your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out health insurance to cover that same illness)

How does conveyancing in Stamford Bridge differ for new build properties?

Most buyers of new build property in Stamford Bridge approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is completed. This is because builders in Stamford Bridge typically buy the land, 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 used to new build conveyancing in Stamford Bridge or who has acted in the same development.

I have been sourcing a conveyancing practitioner in Stamford Bridge for my home move. Is it possible to see a solicitor's complaints history with the profession’s regulator?

Anyone can find documented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from inquisitions started on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For records Pre 2008, or to check a solicitors record, telephone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA sometimes monitor telephone calls for training purposes.

I wish to sublet my leasehold apartment in Stamford Bridge. Conveyancing solicitor who did the purchase is retired - so can't ask her. Is permission from the freeholder required?

The lease governs the relationship between the landlord and you the leaseholder; specifically, it will set out if subletting is not allowed, or permitted but only subject to certain conditions. The rule is that if the lease contains no specific ban or restriction, subletting is allowed. The majority of leases in Stamford Bridge do not contain strict prohibition on subletting – such a provision would adversely affect the market value the flat. Instead, there is usually simply a requirement that the owner notifies the freeholder, possibly sending a copy of the tenancy agreement.

Stamford Bridge Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Queries Prior to Purchasing

Is the freehold reversion owned collectively by the leaseholders? It is important to be aware if changing the roof or some other major work is due in the near future that will be shared by the leaseholders and could well dramatically impact the level of the maintenance costs or require a specific payment. How much is the yearly service fee and ground rent?