Is the fact that my conveyancer in Dollis Hill is not identified on my bank's solicitor panel that there is a problem with the standard of his conveyancing?
That is most likely a wrong assumption to make. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator revealed 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) low volume of transactions (2) the solicitor is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. Where you are concerned you should simply call the Dollis Hill conveyancing practice and enquire why they are no longer on the approved list for your bank.
I am about to exchange on the purchase of a property in Dollis Hill but as a result of damage from some water damage at the property I have managed to agree compensation from the owner of three thousand pounds in the form of a deduction in the price. I had intended this to be addressed as part of the conveyancing process yet Aldermore will not permit this. Should they have been notified?
The lawyer that is on the Aldermore conveyancing panel is obliged to advise Aldermore of any changes to the sale price. If you prohibit your property lawyer to notify the reduction to Aldermore then they would have to discontinue acting for you. In addition, Aldermore and you would have to appoint a new conveyancer for your conveyancing in Dollis Hill.
Do banks and building societies provide you with an approved list of Dollis Hill conveyancing solicitors? How do you know who is on the Barclays conveyancing panel?
Dollis Hill conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Barclays conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Barclays directly.
I am about to put a bid on a leasehold flat in Dollis Hill. The property agents say that it is the norm for flats in Dollis Hill to have less than 75 years unexpired on the lease. I am obtaining a mortgage with Chelsea Building Society. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has 69 years left.
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. Chelsea Building Society have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 21/4/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Dollis Hill. I have a mortgage agreed with Yorkshire BS. 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 have 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 Yorkshire BS, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel.
I have a mortgage with Co-operative for my property in Dollis Hill. Conveyancing has been completed 12 months ago. Should I wish to rent out the flat and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a BTL mortgage or inform Co-operative?
Co-operative must be informed of your intention in advance of renting your property as this is likely to be a breach of Co-operative’s mortgage conditions. It may be that Co-operative will permit you to let 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 Co-operative directly. You need not do this via a Co-operative conveyancing panel lawyer.
It is unclear whether my lender requires a lease extension. I have called my Dollis Hill building society branch on numerous occasions and was advised it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My Dollis Hill conveyancing solicitor - who is on the lender conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told they refuse to lend in accordance with their specific requirements. I have no idea who is right.
As long as the lawyer is on the mortgage company approved list, she or he must comply with the CML Handbook requirements for the bank. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that the lender will go ahead, your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask the mortgage company to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the number of years left on the lease.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold issue on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a simple, no chain conveyancing. Dollis Hill is where the house is located. Is there any guidance you can impart?
Flying freeholds in Dollis Hill are rare but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even where you use a solicitor outside Dollis Hill you must be sure that your lawyer goes through the deeds diligently. Your mortgage company may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Dollis Hill may decide that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold premises.