We are intending to buy a 3 bedroom flat in Stretford with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Stretford solicitor, however the mortgage company says he's not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the bank panel firms or retain our Stretford conveyancer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. We regard this is unjust; is there anything we can do?

No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, 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. Another option that might be available is for your Stretford conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

I do hope you can assist me. My Stretford lawyer is assuring me that he is legally obliged toconduct Stretford conveyancing searches asthe firm are on the Nat Westsolicitor panel. These Stretford searches cost a lot of money can this be avoided?

You have limited options available to you. As you are taking a home loan with a bank your lawyer has to comply with their conditions as set out in their version of the CML Conveyancing Handbook. Your conveyancer would have previously signed the Terms and Conditions of your bank’s conveyancing panel appointment which obliges them to comply with the CML Handbook requirements . Even if you were a cash buyer you would be ill advised not to carry out Stretford conveyancing searches.

I own a freehold property in Stretford but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Stretford and has limited impact for conveyancing in Stretford but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges date back many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the generation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Old rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 will be dispensed with completely.

What is the difference between a licensed conveyancer and conveyancing solicitor in Stretford

There are many registered licenced Conveyancers in Stretford and Solicitor partnerships in Stretford who can help with your conveyancing It is important to make clear that the two are supervised by regulatory bodies with both specialising in the legal work in the home buying process. Both can handle associated property related work such as remortgage conveyancing, enfranchisement and transfer of equity conveyancing.

Does a directory service exist listing Virgin Money panel conveyancers in Stretford on the Building Society Association’s Website?

No. There is no such directory service on the CML or Building Society Association sites. Very few lending institutions make their panel listings available over the internet. Where you are looking for a Stretford conveyancer on the Virgin Money please make the most of our facility.

My offer was accepted on a property in Stretford on 5/8/2020, valuation was booked 3 days after, all came back fine. Property lawyer instructed, so the only thing outstanding was my mortgage offer. Having made daily calls to Leeds Building Society and chasing them on my offer, I have now been told that my offer will not be issued unless the lawyer is on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. Can the lender hold off the offer?

A lender would not issue an offer until they have details of a lawyer on their panel. It can take a few weeks for Leeds Building Society to deal with your lawyer's application to be on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel. There's no guarantee that your solicitor will be accepted.

Are there any specific benefits to selecting a local conveyancing practitioner in Stretford

A significant proportion of house movers in Stretford choose a local conveyancer so that they can attend the lawyer’s offices in the event that they have questions, and to sign documents without using the Royal Mail.

There is a distinct benefit in opting for a lawyer nearby to a premises you are purchasing, due to the in-depth knowledge of the region and potential local issues - yet this is debatable. Most conveyancers carry out their communications through email and may be any place in the world.