Are the Stonehouse conveyancing solicitors identified as being on the Nationwide conveyancing panel, together with their details provided by Nationwide?

Stonehouse conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Nationwide conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Nationwide directly.

My husband and I are buying a purpose built apartment in Stonehouse with a homeloan from Platform Home Loans Ltd.We use our Stonehouse conveyancing practitioner but Platform Home Loans Ltd advised that her practice is not on their "panel". we are left little option but to use a Platform Home Loans Ltd panel lawyer or retain our local solicitor and fork out for one of their panel ones to represent them. We feel as though this is unjust; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. The mortgage offered to you is subject to its various provisions, a common one being that solicitors must be on the Platform Home Loans Ltd conveyancing panel. in the past, 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 solicitors to apply to be on the conveyancing panel for Platform Home Loans Ltd

Is it the case that all Stonehouse solicitor practices on the Santander conveyancing panel are overseen by the SRA?

As solicitors, in order to be on the Santander approved list of solicitors they would need to be regulated by the SRA. Some banks do permit licenced conveyancers on their panel and in that case the practice would be overseen by the CLC.

We have a mortgage agreed in principle with Lloyds. Stonehouse conveyancing lawyers were selected. How long does it take for Lloyds to issue the offer to the lawyer?

Some lenders take longer than others. Have Lloyds completed the valuation? Have you informed Lloyds as to your lawyers' details and checked that your lawyers are on the Lloyds conveyancing panel? It is not unusual for a mortgage offer to take a month to come through.

I am selling my apartment. I had a double glazing fitted in June 2007, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My buyer's mortgage company, Santander are being difficult. The Stonehouse solicitor who is on the Santander conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Santander are requiring a building regulation certificate. Why do Santander have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?

It is probably the case that Santander have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Santander may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.

Yesterday I discovered that there is a flying freehold issue on a property I have offered on two weeks back in what was supposed to be a quick, chain free conveyancing. Stonehouse is the location of the property. Can you shed any light on this issue?

Flying freeholds in Stonehouse are not the norm but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Stonehouse you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds thoroughly. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Stonehouse may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.

How varied are the property related services that Stonehouse conveyancing firms typically advise on?

In the main Stonehouse conveyancing firms can offer various assistance to home and land owners, vendors, investors, freeholders and tenants assistingwith some of the following:

Private sale conveyancing in Stonehouse or nationwide House purchase conveyancing in Stonehouse and further afield Advice on purchasing property as co-owners Drafting in respect of rights of drainage, services, and access (Easements) Staircasing if you are buying an additional or final share in a shared ownership residence Acquisition of council property under the Right to Buy Scheme