I am not in a position to travel far from Greater Manchester. Is there a reason why all Greater Manchester conveyancers aren't included on all lender panels?
A decade ago most banks exhibited an approach to risk which differs from the current day. The FSA in 2010 instigated a thematic review into mortgage fraud which in summary warned lenders: know the conveyancing practitioners on your panel. Accordingly, mortgage companies have since looked to extract more information from law firms about their processes and the staff who work for them and set certain criteria such as completing a minimum amount of transactions. Many law practices have been removed from lender panels even though they had an exemplary disciplinary record, no complaints and zero claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Such firms found it impossible satisfy the minimum amount of transactions the lenders required.
What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Greater Manchester? Why is this being asked of me?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering regulations require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to verify the identification documents of the potential client they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing instruction. The Client Care letter that you need to sign will no doubt confirm this. Your lender will also require certain documents to be checked. Should you are unwilling to hand over identification documents, your conveyancer will not be able to take you on as a client.
I am told that my conveyancing solicitors will need to check that the building insurance when buying a house in Greater Manchester. My lender is Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. As of 31/3/2026, the requirements read as follows :
Forgive me if this question is silly but I am unexperienced as a first time buyer of a ground floor flat in Greater Manchester. Do I receive the keys to the premises on completion from my lawyer? If this is the case, I will appoint a High Street conveyancing solicitor in Greater Manchester?
There is no need to visit the lawyers office on the day of completion. Conveyancing lawyers for you will electronically transfer the completion advance to the vendor’s conveyancers, and once they have received this, you should be able to pick up the keys from the property Agents and move into your new home. This tends to happen between 1 and 3pm.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property in Greater Manchester off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Virgin Money. 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 Virgin Money, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Virgin Money conveyancing panel.
The mortgage over my property is with Virgin Money for my property in Greater Manchester. Conveyancing was finalised months ago. If I am intending 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 Virgin Money?
Your original mortgage agreement with Virgin Money will provide that you need their approval in advance of letting out your property as this is likely to be a breach of Virgin Money’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will allow you to rent 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 Virgin Money directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Virgin Money conveyancing panel solicitor.
Just had an offer accepted on a new build apartment in Greater Manchester. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. Can you give me some examples of some of the questions asked in new build conveyancing.
Here is a sample of a few leasehold new build questions that you may expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Greater Manchester
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The Landlord must covenant to assume the management if the Management Company goes into liquidation or otherwise defaults in running the management scheme. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. The Vendor must covenant to keep unoccupied units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose? Please confirm the Lease plans are architect prepared.
I was told by my bank that their approved lawyers operate no sale no fee basis for conveyancing in Greater Manchester. Our purchase aborted yet the lawyers have requested search fees! They say the fees are independent!
Greater Manchester conveyancing search fees are disbursements not legal fees as these are due to independent parties.