Me and my fiance are buying a 3 bedroom flat in Portsmouth with a mortgage. We like our Portsmouth conveyancer, but the bank advise she’s not on their "panel". We have to appoint one of the lender panel solicitors or keep our Portsmouth solicitor and pay for one of their panel lawyers to act for them. This seems very unfair; are we not able to demand that the mortgage company use our Portsmouth solicitor ?
No, not really. Your mortgage offer is subject to its terms and conditions, one of which will be that lawyers will on the lender’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. A further alternative is for your Portsmouth conveyancing solicitor to apply to be on the conveyancing panel.
Please could you suggest a Skipton Building Society sanctioned Portsmouth conveyancing practice that can complete within two weeks? Am I best advised to unstruct a high street Portsmouth solicitor or a national comparison site?
We can recommend some very good Portsmouth conveyancing firms. Another option is to visit the main road in Portsmouth. Approach some well established law practices and ask to speak with a conveyancing solicitor for a costs illustration. Explain your requirements together with your reasons and ask for a commitment on speed. Choose the one that genuine.
I am buying a new build apartment in Portsmouth. Conveyancing is daunting at the best of times but I have never purchased a new build flat before. What sort of enquires would be asked in new build conveyancing.
Here are examples of a selection of leasehold new build enquiries that you should expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Portsmouth
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Where service of notices and proceedings can be at the property demised please confirm that this can be amended to include simultaneous services at the Lessees’ solicitors’ offices where the Lessee from time to time is not resident in the UK - such solicitors may be varied by notice in writing to the Landlord from time to time but otherwise will be as previously specified. Where there is an Undertaking being granted there is the risk of forfeiture of the Headlease subject to relief if one or more of the Underlessees are willing to accept the original Head Lessee’s obligations as otherwise relief will be denied to the Underlessees. The only alternatives are the Head Lessor agreeing not to forfeit the Headlease or the Head Lessee guaranteeing to the Underlessees that it will not be in breach of the Headlease. There must be mutual enforceability of lessee’s covenants. Please supply a car parking plan. Has the Lease plan been approved by the Land Registry and if not when will they be lodged for this purpose?
Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Portsmouth before retaining lawyers. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold element to the property. My surveyor advised that some banks will not give a mortgage on this type of property.
It depends who your proposed lender is. Bank of Scotland has different requirements for example to Nationwide. Should you wish to call us we can check with the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Portsmouth. Conveyancing may be slightly more expensive based on your lender's requirements.
My business partner and I are hoping to take over a lease of a shop on a shopping parade. Can you recommend conveyancers offering fixed fees for commercial conveyancing in Portsmouth for less than £2000?
We are happy to recommend firms who have an in-depth of experience of commercial conveyancing in Portsmouth, including the disposal and purchase of businesses as well as simply premises. Whether you are looking to buy or dispose of a shop, pub, restaurant, office, retail premises or a whole business we will put you in touch with the right firm. Regarding the costs this will depend on the structure and nuances of the deal. Please provide us with your details or email us so that we can supply you with a fixed commercial conveyancing calculation.
I own a leasehold flat in Portsmouth. Conveyancing and The Royal Bank of Scotland mortgage organised. A letter has just been received from someone claiming to own the freehold. It included a demand for arrears of ground rent dating back to 1998. The conveyancing practitioner in Portsmouth who acted for me is not around. What should I do?
The first thing you should do is contact the Land Registry to make sure that this person is indeed the new freeholder. It is not necessary to incur the fees of a Portsmouth conveyancing lawyer to do this as it can be done on-line for a few pound. Rest assured that regardless, even if this is the legitimate landlord, under the Limitation Act 1980 no more than 6 years of rent can be collected.
Portsmouth Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should ask before buying
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Are any of leasehold owners in dispute over their service charge payments? Who is in charge of the building? How much is the ground rent and service charge?