I have just been advised by my estate agent that my Battle the law firm I have appointed is not on the lender Solicitor panel. What can I do to be certain if this is indeed the case?
You need to contact your Battle conveyancer. It is reasonable to expect your lawyer to notify you what has happened. Where they are not on the panel they could put your in touch with solicitors on the conveyancing panel for your lender.
Our conveyancer has identified a a problem with the lease for the flat we are buying in Battle. The seller’s lawyers have put forward title insurance as a solution. We are happy with insurance and will pay for it. Our property lawyer says that he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or the bank?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and the bank are the client. Your property lawyer 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 mortgage company 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 solicitor will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
Having invested time scouring moneysavingexpert.com for a conveyancing solicitor in Battle, many comment that I should use a CQS assured lawyer. What is CQS?
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a kitemark for residential conveyancing practices issued by the Law Society. Membership achievement establishes a level of credibility for member firms with stakeholders (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) based upon: * the integrity of the senior responsible officer and other key conveyancing staff * the firm's adherence to good practice management standards * adherence to prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures through the scheme protocol the standard covers many organisations who conduct conveyancing in Battle.
How does conveyancing in Battle differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build or newly converted property in Battle approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because developers in Battle typically buy 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 conveyancing solicitors 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 used to new build conveyancing in Battle or who has acted in the same development.
Taking into account that I am about to spend over three hundred thousand on a property in Battle I wish to talk to a lawyer about myhome move before appointing the firm. Can this be arranged?
We could not agree more - we would be pleased to talk to you we do not take any clients on without you first talking to the conveyancer who will be conducting your conveyancing in Battle.There is no ‘factory style conveyancing’ - each client is unique person, not a case reference. The law firms that we put you in touch with believe that the figure you are quoted for residential conveyancing in Battle should be the figure that you are charged.
My father has encouraged me to instruct his lawyers for conveyancing in Battle. Should I find my own solicitor?
Much as we are happy to recommend a Battle conveyancing lawyer the best way to find a conveyancing lawyer is to seek referrals from friends or relatives who have used the solicitor you're contemplating using.