My mortgage broker requires my Highbury solicitor’s panel member for the Lloyds conveyancing panel. What is the best way to find this out. I have contacted my local Highbury branch but they cant find it on their system.
The sensible thing to do is ask for this information from your Highbury conveyancer . Most Highbury law firms will retain a file or database of lender panel information which would include, if applicable, their conveyancing panel details for each lender.
I am hoping to move into my new home in Highbury next Thursday. My solicitor now wants me to supply her with proof of content and building insurance for the property as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the mortgage company. What does the insurance need to cover?
Any lawyer on acting for mortgage companies would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. These obligations are not specific to conveyancing in Highbury.
I am purchasing a new build flat in Highbury. Conveyancing solicitors are said to be ‘a necessary evil’ but can I do it myself?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing in Highbury you will have to appoint a solicitor on your lender's conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to be made in you doing conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on your lender panel in Highbury.
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a property in Highbury prior to instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor has said that some mortgage companies will not issue a loan on this type of property.
It varies from the lender to lender. Santander has different requirements from Birmingham Midshires. If you contact us we can check via the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Highbury. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Highbury especially if they are accustomed to such properties in Highbury.
I work for a reputable estate agent office in Highbury where we have experienced a few flat sales derailed as a result of short leases. I have received inconsistent advice from local Highbury conveyancing solicitors. Can you confirm whether the owner of a flat can commence the lease extension formalities for the buyer?
As long as the seller has owned the lease for at least 2 years it is possible, to serve a Section 42 notice to commence the lease extension process and assign the benefit of the notice to the purchaser. The benefit of this is that the proposed purchaser need not have to wait 2 years to extend their lease. Both sets of lawyers will agree to form of assignment. The assignment needs to be completed before, or simultaneously with completion of the disposal of the property.
Alternatively, it may be possible to extend the lease informally by agreement with the landlord either before or after the sale. If you are informally negotiating there are no rules and so you cannot insist on the landlord agreeing to grant an extension or transferring the benefit of an agreement to the purchaser.
I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord to extend my lease without any joy. Can one make an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal? Can you recommend a Highbury conveyancing firm to help?
Where there is a absentee freeholder or if there is disagreement about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 you can apply to the LVT to calculate the price payable.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Highbury property is Lower Flat 16A Beatty Road in September 2012. The premium payable was £13,577. The terms of the lease has been agreed between the Applicants and the First Respondent and the Tribunal did not seek to disturb that agreement. This case related to 1 flat.
My husband and I recently become aware that one of the directors of the solicitors handling the purchase conveyancing in Highbury is an uncle of the seller. Is this acceptable?
On the basis that there is no conflict of interest this is allowable. If you are needing a mortgage then the mortgage company may have a say as many lenders have specific requirements concerning this. For example for Lloyds TSB Scotland as of 16/10/2025, the requirements read as follows :