I am getting a mortgage offer from Halifax. I intend to use a Licensed Conveyancer in Hounslow. Does the Halifax Conveyancing panel allow for conveyancers regulated by the CLC?
The Halifax approved solicitor list is, like many other lenders, represented by the CML or Building Society Association, open to Licensed Conveyancers regulated by the CLC.
I am only a couple days away from an exchange on a flat in Hounslow and my parents have transferred the ten percent deposit to my lawyer. I am now told that as the deposit has been sent from someone other than me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender. Apparently, in also acting for the lender he must inform them that the balance of the purchase price is coming from anyone other than me. I advised the lender concerning my parents' contribution when I applied for the mortgage, so is it really appropriate for this now to delay the deal?
The lawyer is duty bound to check with mortgage company to ensure that they know that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. The solicitor can only reveal this to your bank if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
When it comes to lenders such as TSB, do Hounslow solicitors face a yearly amount to be on the list of approved solicitors?
We are not aware of any mortgage company fees to be on their panel, although some do charge an administration charge to deal with the processing of the conveyancing panel application.
Can you point me to a directory of Virgin Money panel conveyancers in Hounslow on the Building Society Association’s Website?
Unfortunately not yet. There is no such facility on the CML or Building Society Association websites. Very few mortgage companies make their panel listings available online. Where you are looking for a Hounslow lawyer on the Virgin Money please make the most of our facility.
Completion of my purchase has taken place for my property in Hounslow. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I would like to complain about the lender. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
All lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the lender’s branches or the Customer Services Team at head office. We understand that complaints to a lender are resolved very quickly. If you feel the matter is not resolved you can write to Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.
We are selling our property in Hounslow and the buyers lawyers are claiming that there is a risk of it being constructed on contaminated land. A local conveyancer would know that there is no such problem. It does beg the question why the purchasers instructed an internet conveyancing practice as opposed to a conveyancing solicitor in Hounslow. Having lived in Hounslow for 5 years we know that this is a non issue. Is it a good idea to contact our local Authority to seek confirmation that the buyers are looking for.
It would appear that you have a conveyancing lawyer already. What do they say? You must enquire of your lawyer before you do anything. It is very possible that once the local authority has been informed of a potential issue it cannot be insured against (a bit like being diagnosed with a serious illness and then taking out life insurance to cover that same ailment)
How does conveyancing in Hounslow differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Hounslow approach us having been asked by the builder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is constructed. This is because developers in Hounslow usually 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 conveyancers 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 Hounslow or who has acted in the same development.
I opted to have a survey completed on a property in Hounslow prior to instructing conveyancers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold aspect to the property. My surveyor advised that some lenders will refuse to issue a mortgage on this type of property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different instructions for example to Halifax. Should you wish to telephone 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 Hounslow. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Hounslow especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Hounslow.
