Me and my partner are buying a 3 bedroom flat in East Oxford with a mortgage. We have a East Oxford solicitor, however the mortgage company says she’s not on their "panel". It seems we have little option but to use one of the bank panel conveyancing practices or keep our East Oxford property lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. We regard this is unjust; are we not able to demand that the lender use our East Oxford solicitor ?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. A further alternative is for your East Oxford conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
We note that you have a post code search directory identifying law firms on the UBS conveyancing panel. Do firms pay you a referral fee if I retain them for our conveyancing in East Oxford?
We are a listing service only for law firms wishing to communicate if they are on the UBS conveyancing panel or other lender panels. We do not charge referral fees to any conveyancer that you subsequently appoint for your conveyancing in East Oxford.
How does conveyancing in East Oxford differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build residence in East Oxford approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is constructed. This is because house builders in East Oxford typically purchase 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 used to new build conveyancing in East Oxford or who has acted in the same development.
Am I right to be suspicious about estate agents that I am dealing with are suggesting an internet conveyancing firm rather than a High Street East Oxford conveyancing company?
As with lots of professional services, often input from relatives can be most helpful. But there are numerous players in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and banks might all recommend conveyancers to select. Sometimes the lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but sometimes there is an underlying financial incentive behind the recommendation. You have the right to appoint your own conveyancer. Don't forget that most mortgage providers specify a panel list of lawyers you are obliged to use for the lender related work in your house move.
My brother has encouraged me to instruct his conveyancers in East Oxford. Do I follow his guidance?
Much as we are happy to recommend a East Oxford conveyancing lawyer the ideal way to select a conveyancing lawyer is to get referrals from friends or family who have previously instructed the solicitor you're considering.
What is the difference between surveying and conveyancing in East Oxford?
Conveyancing - in East Oxford or elsewhere - is the legal term given to transferring legal title of property from one person to another. It involves the checking of the title. Whether buying or selling, you should be aware of anything affecting the property such as proposals by government departments, illegal buildings, or outstanding rates. The conveyancer should conduct the appropriate searches and inquiries on the property. Surveying relates to the structure of a property itself. A surveyor will look at a house, flat and any outbuildings you’re buying and will help you find out about the condition of the building and, if there are problems, give you a powerful reason for negotiating the buying price down or asking the vendor to fix the problems prior to you complete your move.