I have given 2 months notice to my existing landlord and have to vacate my let out apartment in Whitechapel by 11/11/2025. Conveyancing for my house purchase is underway. Can I complete in three weeks as I wish to avoid having to find short term accommodation?
Generally one should not give notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not already done so, contact to your lawyer and request that they seek the assistance the owners lawyers, try to an acceptable time-line that everyone will aim to achieve
My property lawyer in Whitechapel has never been on on the Britannia Solicitor Panel. Is it possible for me to retain my prefered solicitor even though they are excluded from the Britannia list of approved lawyers?
Your options are as follows:
- Carry on with your preferred Whitechapel solicitors but Britannia will need to use a solicitor on their list of acceptable firms. This will inevitably rack up the total conveyancing fees as well as result in frustration.
- Choose a new lawyer to to deal with the conveyancing, not forgetting to check they are Convince your solicitor to use their best endeavours to join the Britannia conveyancing panel
How does conveyancing in Whitechapel differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Whitechapel come to us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in Whitechapel tend to acquire the real estate, 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 property lawyers 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Whitechapel or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the encouragement of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Whitechapel ahead of instructing conveyancers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold overhang to the property. The surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will refuse to give a mortgage on this type of house.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements for example to Nationwide. If you call us we can look into this further with the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Whitechapel. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Whitechapel especially if they are acquainted with such properties in Whitechapel.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing solicitor in Whitechapel for my home move. Is it possible to check a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?
One may see published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions stemming from inquisitions started on or after Jan 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. To find records about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a firm's history, ring 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. International callers, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The SRA could recorded call for training requirements.