I am nearing exchange of contracts for my maisonette in Harefield and the EA has just called to warn that the buyers are appointing a new property lawyer. I am told that this is due to the fact that the bank will only work with property lawyers on their approved list. On what basis would a big named lender only engage with specific solicitors rather the firm that they want to choose to handle their conveyancing in Harefield ?
Mortgage companies have always had panels of law firms that can represent them, but in recent years big names such as Lloyds Banking Group, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have acted for them for decades.
Banks blame a rise in fraud by way of justification for the cull – criteria have been stiffened as a smaller panel is easier to maintain. Banks tend not to disclose how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is hearing daily from firms that have been removed from panels. Plenty of firms do not even realise they have been dropped until contacted by a borrower who has instructed them as might be the situation in your buyers' case. The buyers are unlikely to have any sway in the decision.
My brother-in-law has suggested I instruct a conveyancing solicitor in Harefield. I I would like to check if they are on the Barclays Direct approved list of lawyers. Could you or the lender confirm if they are on the panel?
You should phone the lawyer and ask them if they are on the lender panel. Alternatively please get in touch with Barclays Direct who may be able to confirm.
Are there restrictive covenants that are commonly identified as part of conveyancing in Harefield?
Restrictive covenants can be picked up when reviewing land registry title as part of the process of conveyancing in Harefield. An 1874 stipulation that was seen was ‘The houses to be erected on the estate are each to be of a uniform elevation in accordance with the drawings to be prepared or approved by the vendor’s surveyor…’
How does conveyancing in Harefield differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Harefield come to us having been asked by the seller to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is ready to move into. This is because builders in Harefield typically 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 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 Harefield or who has acted in the same development.
In scouring the web for the words on line conveyancing in Harefield it brings up numerous solicitorsin the area. With so much choice what is the best way to find the suitable property lawyer for the sale of my house?
The best way of choosing the right conveyancer is via trusted referral, so enquire of friends and family who have bought a property in Harefield or a local estate agent or financial adviser. Charges for conveyancing in Harefield differ, so it's sensible to obtain at least four quotes from varying types of property lawyers. Make sure that you know that the fees are fixed.
Is it true that a Harefield conveyancing company taken to court by a client for failing to conduct the appropriate conveyancing searches?
Our attention has not be brought to such a Harefield conveyancing claim but according to a recent report, a couple acquiring a property in Cumbria successfully sued their conveyancing practitioner as a consequence of development plans to construct a wind farm failing to be identified in conveyancing searches.
If you are purchasing in Harefield It is essential that your solicitor conduct all Harefield conveyancing searches required to ensure you have accurate and current information ahead of acquiring a home in Harefield.