I am selling my apartment in Seven Sisters and the estate agent has just text me to warn that the purchasers are swapping conveyancer. The reason given is that the lender will only work with property lawyers on their conveyancing panel. On what basis would a big named lender only deal with specific solicitors rather the firm that they want to select to handle their conveyancing in Seven Sisters ?
UK lenders have always had an approved set of law firms they are willing to work with, but in the last few years big names such as HSBC, have considered and reduced their conveyancing panel– in some cases removing conveyancing firms who have represented them for decades.
Lenders justify this action to a rise in fraud by way of justification for the reduction – criteria have been tightened as a smaller panel is easier to maintain. Banks tend not to reveal how many solicitors have been dropped, claiming the information is commercially sensitive, but the Law Society claims that it is being contacted daily by practices that have been removed from panels. Some are unaware that 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 not going to have any impact on this.
I have just over seventy years left on my lease and require a lease extension for my apartment in Seven Sisters. Conveyancing solicitors on the Tesco Bank panel can deal with such extensions right?
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are securing a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Tesco Bank have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 3/1/2026 the requirements read as follows :
I own a 4 bedroom Victorian house in Seven Sisters. Conveyancing solicitor represented me and HSBC Bank. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw two entries: one for freehold, another for leasehold under the matching address. I thought I was buying a freehold how can I check?
You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register for mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered proprietor of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Seven Sisters and other locations in the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also check the situation with your conveyancing lawyer who conducted the purchase.
About to purchase a new build apartment in Seven Sisters. Conveyancing is necessary evil 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 can expect your new-build leasehold conveyancing in Seven Sisters
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The Vendor must covenant to keep unsold units in good repair until long leases are granted therefore. Please provide evidence that the form of Lease proposed has been approved by the Land Registry. 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. Will the freehold then be transferred for a nominal consideration (not exceeding £100) to the Management Company? Forfeiture - bankruptcy or liquidation must not apply under this provision.
How can the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 affect my business offices in Seven Sisters and how can your lawyers assist?
The particular law that you refer to provides protection to business tenants, giving them the a statutory right to make a request to court for a new tenancy and remain in occupation when the lease reaches an end. There are limited grounds that a landlord can refrain from granting a lease renewal and the rules are complicated. We are happy to direct you to commercial conveyancing solicitors who use the act for protection and handle your commercial conveyancing in Seven Sisters
My uncle has recommend that I instruct his conveyancing solicitors in Seven Sisters. Should I use them?
There are no two ways about it the ideal way to find a conveyancing practitioner is to get guidance from friends or relatives who have used the firm you're considering.