My wife and I are buying a 2 bedroom flat in West Hendon with a mortgage. We wish to retain our West Hendon solicitor, however the mortgage company advise he's not on their "panel". It appears that we have no option but to use one of the mortgage company panel firms or keep our West Hendon and pay for one of their panel firms to represent them. This seems very unfair; can we not insist that the mortgage company use our West Hendon ?

No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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 West Hendon conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.

What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in West Hendon? What am I being asked for?

West Hendon conveyancing solicitors and indeed property lawyers throughout the UK have an obligation under money laundering regulations to verify the identity of any client with a view to satisfy themselves that clients are who they say they are.

Conveyancing clients are required to supply two forms of certified identification; proof of identity (usually a Passport or Driving Licence) and evidence of address (usually a Utility Bill less than 3 months old).

Confirmation of the origin of funds is also required under the money laundering statutes as conveyancers are duty bound to check that the funds you are utilising to acquire a property (be it the exchange deposit or the full purchase price if you are buying without a mortgage) has come from an acceptable source (such as employment savings) rather than the fruits of criminal behaviour.

My lender has suggested solicitors on their panel based in West Hendon but I would rather choose a conveyancing lawyer in West Hendon or nearer to where I live. Are you able to help?

The minority of West Hendon conveyancing practices are approved and listed on all lender’s conveyancing panel. Do make use of our search tool to choose a West Hendon conveyancing solicitor on the on the bank panel.

It has been 2 months since my purchase conveyancing in West Hendon took place. I have checked the Land Registry website which shows that I paid £175,000 when infact I paid £170,000. Why the discrepancy?

The price paid figure is taken from the application to register the purchase. It is the figure included in the Transfer (the legal deed which transfers the asset from one person to the other) and referred to as the 'consideration' or purchase price. You can report an error in the price paid figure using the LR online form. In most cases errors result from typos so at first glance the figure. Do report it so they can double check and advise.

My husband and I are 14 days into a freehold purchase having been directed to a firm by the selling agent to handle our conveyancing in West Hendon. I am am starting to be dissatisfied with the quality of service. Could you help me find new lawyers?

A conveyancer would have to be really poor in order to consider replacing them. Has your mortgage been generated? If so you will need to advise them of the new contact details and ensure the offer are re-sent. The solicitor ideally should be on the lenders panel to avoid added charges and frustration. That should be your starting point. Our find a solicitor tool will help you find a bank approved solicitor for your conveyancing in West Hendon