I am in the process of selling my ground floor flat in Byker and Walker and the estate agent has just e-mailed to say that the buyers are swapping conveyancer. The reason given is that the lender will only deal with solicitors on their approved list. Why would a major mortgage company only deal with specific law firms rather the firm that they want to appoint to handle their conveyancing in Byker and Walker ?
UK lenders have always had panels of law firms they are willing to work with, but in the last few years big names such as Yorkshire Building Society, have reviewed and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have worked with them for more than 15 years.
Mortgage companies attribute this action to a rise in fraud as the reason for the pruning – criteria have been narrowed as a smaller panel is easier to monitor. Banks tend not to disclose how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The buyers are not going to have any impact on this.
We are purchasing a house and require a conveyancing solicitor in Byker and Walker who is on the Co-operative approved panel. Could you point me in the right direction as regards a conveyancing firm?
Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to be listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Co-operative . We don't recommend any particular firms conducting conveyancing in Byker and Walker.
About to place an offer on a leasehold property in Byker and Walker. The estate agents advise that it is standard for flats in Byker and Walker to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am expecting a mortgage with Platform. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 72 years left.
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. Platform have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 24/10/2025 the requirements read as follows :
I need some fast conveyancing in Byker and Walker as I am under a deadline to exchange contracts within one month. Thankfully I do not require a mortgage. Is it possible to escape the need for conveyancing searches to save money and time?
If.Given you are are a mortgage free buyer you are at free not to have searches carried out although no law firm would advise that you don't. With lots of history conveyancing in Byker and Walker the following are instances of issues that can be revealed and adversely impact market value: Enforcement Notices, Overdue Fees, Outstanding Grants, Unadopted Roads,...
I used Wolstenholmes a few years past for my conveyancing in Byker and Walker. Now, I need my files however the law firm is no longer operating. What do I do?
You should contact the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to assist in tracking down your conveyancing files. They can be contacted on please contact on 0870 606 2555. Alternatively, you should use their online form to make an enquiry. You will need to provide the SRA with as much information as possible to assist their search, including the name and address in Byker and Walker of the conveyancing firm of solicitors you previously instructed, the name of conveyancing solicitor with whom you had dealings, and the date on which you last had dealings with the firm.
In what way does the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 impact my business property in Byker and Walker and how can your lawyers assist?
The particular law that you refer to affords protection to commercial lessees, giving them the right to apply to court for a new lease and continue in occupation at the end of the lease term. There are limited grounds where a landlord can refuse a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing firms who use the act to your advantage and assist with commercial conveyancing in Byker and Walker