My husband and I are hoping to purchase a 2 bedroom flat in Knightsbridge with a mortgage. We like our Knightsbridge lawyer, however the lender says she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the mortgage company panel firms or keep our Knightsbridge lawyer as well as pay for one of their panel ones to represent them. This feels very unfair; is there anything we can do?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the bank’s conveyancing panel. Until recently, most lenders had large numbers of law firms on their panels: a borrower could choose one for themselves, as long as it was on the lender's panel. The lender would then simply instruct the borrower's lawyers to act for the lender, too. You can use your lender's panel lawyers or you could borrow from another lender which does not restrict your choice. Another option that might be available is for your Knightsbridge conveyancing lawyer to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
How does conveyancing in Knightsbridge differ for newly converted properties?
Most buyers of new build premises in Knightsbridge approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is ready to move into. This is because developers in Knightsbridge 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 Knightsbridge or who has acted in the same development.
Due to the guidance of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Knightsbridge prior to retaining lawyers. I have been told that there is a flying freehold element to the house. The surveyor advised that some mortgage companies tend refuse to grant a mortgage on a flying freehold premises.
It varies from the lender to lender. HSBC has different instructions from Nationwide. If you e-mail us we can look into this further via the relevant lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Knightsbridge. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Knightsbridge especially if they are familiar with such properties in Knightsbridge.
I'm remortgaging my primary property to a BTL loan with Accord Mortgages Ltd and I will use the rest of the raised equity as a deposit on another property. The location we are looking at is Knightsbridge. Will your lawyers be able to act for both sets of banks and tie in the conveyances?
Do use our comparison tool on this site to be sure that the lawyers are on the appropriate lender panels. Assuming that they are the lawyer will be able to connect the two conveyancing matters but you should talk with you conveyancer and make clear your expectations and needs.
I am looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Knightsbridge for my remortgage. Can I see a solicitor's complaints history with the legal regulator?
One may read presented Solicitor Regulator Association (SRA) decisions resulting from inquisitions commenced on or after 1 January 2008. Go to Check a solicitor's record. For information about the period before 1 January 2008, or to check a solicitors history, phone 0870 606 2555, 08.00 - 18.00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 09.30 - 18.00 Tuesday. For non-uk callers, call +44 (0)121 329 6800. The regulator could recorded call for training reasons.
Back In 2005, I bought a leasehold flat in Knightsbridge. Conveyancing and Platform Home Loans Ltd mortgage organised. I have received a letter from someone claiming to own the reversionary interest in the property. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1992. The conveyancing practitioner in Knightsbridge who previously acted has long since retired. Any advice?
First contact HMLR to make sure that this person is in fact the new freeholder. There is no need to incur the fees of a Knightsbridge conveyancing solicitor to do this as it can be done on-line for less than a fiver. You should note that regardless, even if this is the rightful landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 the limitation period for recovery of ground rent is six years.
I have tried to negotiate informally with with my landlord for a lease extension without success. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such issues? Can you recommend a Knightsbridge conveyancing firm to act on my behalf?
Most definitely. We can put you in touch with a Knightsbridge conveyancing firm who can help.
An example of a Lease Extension matter before the tribunal for a Knightsbridge flat is Flat 3 47 Cadogan Square in December 2010. the Tribunal determined that the premium payable to the landord by the leaseholder for the lease extension was £732,935 This case affected 1 flat. The remaining number of years on the lease was 13.33 years.