Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my solicitor in Woolwich is not identified on my lender's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of the firm’s conveyancing?

That is most likely an incorrect assumption to make. There are plenty of reasonable explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the Woolwich conveyancing practice and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.

Would the conveyancing solicitors via your comparison service execute conveyancing in Woolwich by way of an attended exchange?

We do have a number of conveyancing experts carrying out personalised exchanges. You should call us to secure a fee calculation and details as to availability.

We note that you have a search directory listing law firms on the conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a commission if I retain them for our own conveyancing in Woolwich?

We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in Woolwich.

Is it necessary to pay for insurance to protect me from financial exposure to chancel repairs when acquiring a house in Woolwich?

Unless a prior acquisition of the property completed post 12 October 2013 you could take it that solicitors carrying out conveyancing in Woolwich to continue to propose a a chancel search and or insurance against a claim.

I am hoping to put an offer on a small detached house that appears to be perfect, at a reasonable figure which is making it more attractive. I have since found out that it's a leasehold rather than freehold. I am assuming that there are particular concerns purchasing a leasehold house in Woolwich. Conveyancing advisers have not yet been instructed. Will they explain the issues?

The majority of houses in Woolwich are freehold and not leasehold. This is one of the situations where having a local conveyancer who is familiar with the area who can help the conveyancing process. It is clear that you are purchasing in Woolwich in which case you should be shopping around for a Woolwich conveyancing practitioner and be sure that they have experience in advising on leasehold houses. As a matter of priority you will need to check the unexpired lease term. Being a leaseholder you will not be entirely free to do whatever you want to the property. The lease will likely included provisions for example obtaining the landlord’sconsent to carry out alterations. It may be necessary to pay a contribution towards the maintenance of the communal areas where the property is part of an estate. Your lawyer should report to you on the legal implications.

Woolwich Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - A selection of Questions you should ask Prior to buying

It would be prudent to enquire if there is anything that is prohibited in the lease. For instance it is very common in Woolwich leases that pets are not permitted in certain buildings in Woolwich. If you like the apartmentin Woolwich yet your cat can’t live with you then you have a very hard decision. How long is the Lease? How much is the service charge and ground rent on the property?