Just contacted my conveyancing lawyer in Durham who completed the legal work 18 months ago asking for a conveyancing estimate based on the same type of house move (a leasehold premises and a freehold premises) of similar values with a home loan from Skipton Building Society. It looks as though am now being quoted twice the amount. Am I right to be tempted to shop around for a cheaper internet conveyancer?
The charges appear a little high. If you shop around you may be able to get the conveyancing a bit cheaper by say £100 plus VAT. On the other hand, assuming were pleased with the conveyancing the firm gave you maycome to rue opting for an an untested conveyancer. If is important to be sure that the solicitor can act for Skipton Building Society. You can utilise our search tool to get a quote a Durham conveyancing firm on the Skipton Building Society approved list of lawyers, which can often include conveyancing solicitors in Durham.
Are all Durham Conveyancing Quality Solicitors on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing list of approved solicitors?
It is true that some banks and building societies now utilise the accreditation scheme as the kick off point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however gives no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels.
Can I be sure that the Durham conveyancing solicitor on the Virgin Money panel is any good?
When it comes to conveyancing in Durham obtaining recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead, check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also, you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more, will often provide a better service than one advertising the lowest fees. We would always advise that you speak with the lawyer handling your conveyancing.
We were going to get a DIP from Nationwide this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we only have online calculators to go by (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc). Do Nationwide recommend any Durham solicitors on the Nationwide conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently?
You will need to appoint Durham solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the Nationwide conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and Nationwide through the process.
I used Action Conveyancing several years ago for my conveyancing in Durham. Now, I need my files but the law firm has closed. What do I do?
You should call 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 Durham 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.
How does conveyancing in Durham differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in Durham approach us having been asked by the developer to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in Durham typically purchase the site, 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 property lawyers 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 Durham or who has acted in the same development.
What does commercial conveyancing in Durham cover?
Durham conveyancing for business premises covers a broad array of services, offered by qualified solicitors, relating to business premises. By way of example, this area of conveyancing can cover the sale or purchase of freehold business premises or, more commonly, the assignment of existing leases or the drafting of new leasing arrangements. Commercial conveyancing solicitors can also offer advice on the sale of business assets, commercial loans and the termination of tenancies.
There are plenty of houses in Durham on unadopted roads. We are buying one such property. What would be the pros and cons of purchasing a property on a privately owned road?
Durham conveyancing solicitors will be familiar with conveyancing propertieson unadopted roads. Your conveyancing practitioner will review the Land Registry data to find any rights or liabilities. In many cases there is a management company (wholly owned by residents) that owners pay into for the upkeep of the road. Where there is one, the road should be maintained and appear better than council maintained.