My IFA says he needs my Alston solicitor’s panel reference for the Nat West conveyancing panel. What is the best way to obtain this. I have tried my local Alston office but they have not responded to me.
You are best placed to get this information from your Alston conveyancing practitioner . Most Alston law firms will keep a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each mortgage company.
My lawyer has identified a defect with the lease for the apartment we are buying in Alston. The seller’s lawyers have offered title insurance as a solution. We are content with insurance and will pay for it. Our lawyer says that he must be satisfied that the bank is willing to move forward with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the bank?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the mortgage company are the client. Your solicitor must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the bank can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your conveyancing practitioner will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
I am about to put a bid on a leasehold property in Alston. The selling agents tell me that it is normal for flats in Alston to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am getting a mortgage with Bank of Ireland. Is this going to be a problem if the lease has 72 years remaining.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are obtaining a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 16/7/2026 the requirements read as follows :
My wife and I are in the throws of looking at houses in Alston and I am about to put in an offer. Should I already have a conveyancing practitioner in place at this stage? I intend to finance via a mortgage with Barclays.
You should start requesting conveyancing estimates from solicitors ASAP. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their details on to the estate agent. Given that you are seeking a mortgage with Barclays, make sure you remember to check that your lawyer is on the Barclays conveyancing panel.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Alston off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. Conveyancing is not something I have any knowledge of. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable to proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event, if you are getting a mortgage with Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.
Completion of my purchase has taken place for my property in Alston. Conveyancing was satisfactory but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
Most lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. Ordinarily complaints to a lender are sorted out very quickly. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service who will take matters further.
I am thinking of appointing a conveyancing practitioner in Alston for my purchase. Can I see a firm’s complaints history with the legal regulator?
You may find published Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) determinations resulting from inquisitions started on or after 1 January 2008. Visit Check a solicitor's record. To find details about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors history, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 any week day save for Tuesday when lines open at 9.30am. For callers outside the UK, use +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator may monitor telephone calls for training reasons.
As a tenant I am liable for a service charge for my appartment in Alston. As a result of flawed financial planning I fell into arrears with remittance. I negotiated a payment schedule but there is still about £2000 remaining in arrears.
I now wish to sell and I am worried this may hold me back if I have to discharge the amount due first. I'd like to sell up and then discharge the debt from the completion monies - is this achievable?
Your conveyancing practitioner should be able to negotiate with the appropriate parties, and agree with them whether or not they would accept payment from completion monies. This is indicative of why it is sensible to use a conveyancing practitioner in Alston as they are likely to have an established relationship with the management company.