Is the fact that my conveyancer in Catford is not identified on my mortgage company's conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of the firm’s work?
That is more than likely an incorrect assumption to make. There are plenty of plausible explanations. Just recently a report by the solicitors regulator revealed that over three quarters of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The top 5 reasons are as follows: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the Catford conveyancing firm and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your mortgage company.
I am thinking of remortgaging my home in Catford, does my lawyer have to be on the Aldermore Conveyancing panel?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor, but Aldermore will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is much more potential for delays and confusion with two solicitors involved, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
What is your number one tip for choosing a conveyancing solicitor in Catford
Do not opt for the cheapest Catford conveyancing fees. You really do get what you’re paying for when it comes to conveyancing solicitors. A cheap quote may mean that the conveyancing solicitor is handling a lot of jobs at one time and you won’t get the quality of service and the attention that you need. It is, however, wise to use a conveyancer who has a fixed fee on a no sale, no fee basis. This way, you go into the conveyancing with your eyes wide open.
I have today made my last payment due on my mortgage with Leeds Building Society. I assume I don't need a Catford conveyancing practitioner on the Leeds Building Society panel to discharge the mortgage at the Land Registry. Am I right?
If you have finished paying off your Leeds Building Society mortgage, they may send you evidence showing that you have paid it off. Alternatively they may notify the Land Registry directly. The Land Registry need to see this evidence before they will remove the Leeds Building Society mortgage from the register. Leeds Building Society, and any evidence they send you, will determine the action you need to take. In cases where no conveyancer is acting for you and you have paid off your mortgage:
- but are not moving to another property
- where Leeds Building Society has sent the Land Registry the discharge electronically, and
- Leeds Building Society has instructed the Land Registry to do so
The formalities of my purchase has taken place for my property in Catford. 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 point of contact should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Care Department at head office. In most cases 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 with full details of your complaint.
I need some expedited conveyancing in Catford as I have an ultimatum to sign on the dotted line within one month. Luckily I do not require a mortgage. Can I decline from having conveyancing searches to save fees and time?
If.Given you are are a mortgage free buyer you have the choice not to do searches although no law firm would advise that you don't. With plenty of history conveyancing in Catford the following are examples of issues that can show up and therefore affect the marketability of the property: Refused Planning Applications, Outstanding Fees, Outstanding Grants, Road Schemes,...
How does conveyancing in Catford differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Catford contact us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because developers in Catford tend to acquire the land, 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 accustomed to new build conveyancing in Catford or who has acted in the same development.
My partner and I are FTB’s just having agreed a price on a property in Catford, and are now looking to get solicitors appointed. We have utilised the numerous rating tools and the fee estimates are from all over the the UK. Is it critical to have a Catford conveyancing practitioner local to the potential house? We are willing to do everything electronically, but I guess at some stage we will need to attend the conveyancer's office to sign papers?
Generally there is no requirement to attend the office of your conveyancing practitioner, they can send any relevant contracts to you, which you can sign and send back. Many buyers and sellers choose to instruct a locally based solicitor, but it is not essential for conveyancing in Catford.