I am considering applying for a Skipton mortgage for purchase of a new build (under development) in Bermondsey with 70% loan to value. Is it compulsory to choose a solicitor on the conveyancing panel for Skipton ?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on the Skipton conveyancing panel, but Skipton would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.
Will my lawyer be making enquiries concerning flooding as part of the conveyancing in Bermondsey.
Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Bermondsey. Plenty of people will acquire a property in Bermondsey, completely aware that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical damage, if a house is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, satisfactory building insurance, or sell the property. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the purchaser.
Lawyers are not qualified to offer advice on flood risk, but there are a various searches that may be carried out by the buyer or by their lawyers which will give them a better understanding of the risks in Bermondsey. The standard completed inquiry forms supplied to a buyer’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) contains a standard inquiry of the seller to find out whether the property has historically flooded. In the event that flooding has previously occurred and is not revealed by the seller, then a buyer may issue a compensation claim as a result of such an incorrect answer. A buyer’s lawyers should also order an enviro search. This will reveal if there is a recorded flood risk. If so, additional investigations should be made.
How do I use your search app to select a conveyancing solicitor in Bermondsey on the authorised to act for my lender?
Step one is to pick a bank such as Barclays , Chelsea Building Society or Nottingham Building Society then specify your preferred area for example Bermondsey. Conveyancing practices in Bermondsey and beyond should be shown.
As co-executor for the estate of my grandfather I am selling a property in Swansea but live in Bermondsey. My conveyancer (based 260 kilometers from merequires that I execute a stat dec before completion. Could you suggest a conveyancing solicitor in Bermondsey who can witness this legal document for me?
Technically speaking you should not be required to have the documents attested by a conveyancing solicitor. Normally or notary public or qualified solicitor will do regardless of whether they are Bermondsey based
Can you offer any advice when it comes to appointing a Bermondsey conveyancing practice to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?
If you are instructing a property lawyer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Bermondsey conveyancing practice) it is imperative that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of work. We recommend that you talk with two or three firms including non Bermondsey conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. Where the conveyancing practice is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions might be helpful:
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If the firm is not ALEP accredited then what is the reason? Can they put you in touch with clients in Bermondsey who can give a testimonial?
Having spent years of negotiations we cannot agree with our landlord on how much the lease extension should cost for our flat in Bermondsey. Can we issue an application to the Residential Property Tribunal Service?
if there is a absentee landlord or where there is dispute about what the lease extension should cost, under the relevant statutes it is possible to make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to arrive at the sum to be paid.
An example of a Freehold Enfranchisement case for a Bermondsey flat is 1-41 Royal Tower Lodge 40 Cartwright Street in April 2013. the tribunal adding the agreed value of capitalised ground rents and the reversion the price to be paid for the freehold was £1,187,000 This case related to 41 flats. The remaining number of years on the lease was 107 years.
I yesterday discovered that one of the directors of the law firm undertaking the purchase conveyancing in Bermondsey is an aunty of the owners that we are buying from. Is this acceptable?
As long as there is no conflict of interest this is allowable. Where you are obtaining a home loan then the bank may have a say as many mortgage companies have specific instructions concerning this. For example for RBS- First Active as of 29/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :