My husband and I are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Aintree with a mortgage. We would like to retain our Aintree lawyer, however the mortgage company advise she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have no option but to select one of the bank panel firms or retain our Aintree conveyancer and pay for one of their panel lawyers to represent them. This seems very unfair; can we not insist that the bank use our Aintree conveyancer ?
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. A further alternative is for your Aintree conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
I am buying a property for cash in Aintree. I have resided for the previous 20 years in Aintree. Conveyancing searches are exorbitant. As I have knowledge of the area and road intimately must I have all the conveyancing searches?
In the absence of a mortgage, then the vast majority of the Aintree conveyancing searches are at your discretion. Your lawyer will ’encourage you, perhaps strongly, that you should have searches done, but he is duty bound to do this. Do consider; if you are likely to dispose of the house at a future date, it will likely be be of relevance to your prospective purchaser what the searches disclose. Sometimes houses with no practical issues can still show up unexpected search results. A good conveyancing solicitor in Aintree will be able to give you some helpful guidance in this regard.
We are purchasing a house and need a conveyancing solicitor in Aintree who is on the Nationwide solicitor panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a solicitor?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Nationwide . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Aintree.
I am about to put a bid on a leasehold flat in Aintree. The selling agents assure me that it is the norm for flats in Aintree to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am obtaining a loan with Chelsea Building Society. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has Seventy One years to go.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 21/4/2025 the requirements read as follows :
Can I be sure that the Aintree conveyancing solicitor on the Principality panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Aintree getting recommendations is a good starting point. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always recommend that you speak with the lawyer carrying out your transaction.
My husband and I have organised the release of further monies on our home loan from Coventry BS as we want to conduct a loft conversion to our home in Aintree. Do we need to choose a bricks and mortar Aintree solicitor on the Coventry BS conveyancing panel to handle the paperwork?
Coventry BS don't usually require firms on their conveyancing panel to deal with the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Coventry BS panel.
The mortgage over my property is with Yorkshire BS for my property in Aintree. Conveyancing has been completed months ago. In the event that I decide to rent out my property and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a BTL mortgage or inform Yorkshire BS?
Your original mortgage agreement with Yorkshire BS will provide that you need their approval in advance of renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Yorkshire BS’s mortgage conditions. It may be that Yorkshire BS will allow you to rent out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Yorkshire BS directly. You need not do this via a Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel lawyer.
I decided to have a survey completed on a property in Aintree ahead of appointing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the house. Our surveyor has said that some mortgage companies tend refuse to give a loan on such a home.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different instructions for example to Halifax. If you e-mail us we can check via the relevant bank. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Aintree. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.