I am getting a mortgage with Santander. I hope to retain the legal services of a Licensed Conveyancer in Halifax. Does the Santander Conveyancing panel allow for Licensed Conveyancers?
The Santander conveyancing panel is, like many other lenders, associated to the Council or Mortgage Lenders or BSA, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.
How up to date is your database of Halifax solicitors on the Lloyds conveyancing panel? Do Lloyds send you an updated list?
Halifax conveyancing firms themselves provide us confirmation that they are on the Lloyds conveyancing panel as opposed to being supplied with a list from Lloyds directly.
When researching moneysavingexpert.com for a conveyancing solicitor in Halifax, many post that I should instruct a CQS assured lawyer. Can you explain what CQS is?
The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised kitemark for legal experts in home ownership transfers, trusted by some of the UK's biggest banks. In 2011-12 the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Building Societies Association (BSA). CQS is not a scheme offered by the Society for Licensed Conveyancers. Halifax is one of the many areas of the UK where there are Accredited lawyers.
We are getting the release of further funds on our home loan from Co-operative as we intend to carry out a loft conversion to our property in Halifax. Do we need to appoint a nearby Halifax solicitor on the Co-operative conveyancing panel to handle the legals?
Co-operative do not ordinarily appoint firms on their approved list of lawyers to handle the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Co-operative conveyancing panel.
We have agreed to purchase a house in Halifax. A rare aspect is that the roof has a solar panel. Solicitors conducting should look into this right? Will my lender Santander be concerned?
Given that your lender is Santander your lawyer must follow the formal requirements set out in Part 2 of UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Santander. The Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook stipulates minimum provisions for solar panel roof-space leases, and solicitors are required to report to Santander where a lease fails to meet these specifications. The provisions relate to the installation of panels on properties nationwide and is not isolated to Halifax.
I am currently in the process of buying my council flat in Halifax. I have a mortgage offer with HSBC. 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 use 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 HSBC, you will need to appoint a solicitor on the HSBC conveyancing panel.
I have justbeen informed that Arc property Solicitors have been shut down. They carried out my conveyancing in Halifax for a purchase of a leasehold flat 18 months ago. How can I establish that my home is registered correctly in the name of the former proprietor?
The quickest method to see if the premises is registered to you, you can make a search of the land registry (£3.00). You can either do this yourself or ask a law firm to do this for you. If you are not registered you can seek help from one of a number of Halifax conveyancing specialists.
How does conveyancing in Halifax differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Halifax approach us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the residence is constructed. This is because house builders in Halifax usually buy 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 Halifax or who has acted in the same development.